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Published on: August 18, 2020
Full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors for photocatalysis
Xiaolei Liu1, Baibiao Huang2, Juan Li1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China. lijuan@jnu.edu.cn.
Full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors offer a low-cost alternative to noble metals for enhanced photocatalysis. This review explores their properties, mechanisms, and applications, addressing challenges like surface depletion layers for improved solar energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photocatalysis
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in noble metal nanoparticles enhances photochemical reactions but is limited by cost and scarcity.
- Heavily doped semiconductors exhibit metal-like LSPR, presenting a cost-effective alternative.
- Plasmonic semiconductors face challenges due to surface depletion layers, hindering active site exposure and hot carrier transfer, thus limiting photocatalytic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics, synthesis, and characterization of full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors.
- To elucidate the mechanism of full-spectrum nonmetallic plasmonic photocatalysis.
- To summarize applications and provide a perspective on developing advanced plasmonic photocatalysts.
Main Methods:
- Introduction to essential characteristics, types, synthesis, and characterization techniques of full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors.
- Elucidation of photocatalytic mechanisms including local electromagnetic field, hot carrier dynamics, and photothermal effects.
- Discussion of strategies to overcome surface depletion layer limitations.
Main Results:
- Detailed overview of full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductor properties and synthesis.
- Comprehensive explanation of the photocatalysis mechanism, highlighting key contributing factors.
- Identification of effective solutions for surface depletion layer issues in plasmonic photocatalysis.
Conclusions:
- Full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors are promising low-cost alternatives for photocatalysis.
- Understanding and addressing surface depletion layers are crucial for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency.
- This review provides a roadmap for designing and developing next-generation plasmonic photocatalysts for diverse applications.
