Thermal-effect dominated plasmonic catalysis on silver nanoislands

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Plasmonic metal nanostructures exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), enabling applications in photocatalysis and photothermal therapy.
• Light irradiation of plasmonic nanostructures generates hot electrons and induces heating, both contributing to catalytic activity.
• Distinguishing the roles of hot electrons versus thermal effects in plasmonic catalysis remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the photo-induced azo coupling reaction using silver nanoisland plasmonic substrates.
• To differentiate the contributions of hot electrons and thermal effects in plasmon-induced catalysis.
• To understand the influence of temperature on plasmonic catalytic reactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a self-assembly system with silver nanoislands as plasmonic substrates.
• Employed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to monitor reactions.
• Varied reaction temperatures to analyze thermal effects.

Main Results:

• Observed that both hot electrons and thermal effects contribute to the azo coupling reaction.
• Determined that thermal effects are dominant in the nitro-group azo coupling reaction.
• Demonstrated the temperature dependence of plasmon-induced catalytic reactivity.

Conclusions:

• Plasmonic catalysis involves a combination of hot electron and thermal effects.
• Localized temperature plays a critical role and must be considered in photonic applications.
• Silver nanoisland-based systems provide a platform for studying plasmonic catalysis mechanisms.