Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance-Enhanced Photocatalysis: From Mechanistic Insights and Factor Regulation to...

Enhancing the spectral response range of photocatalysts is an effective method to improve photocatalytic efficiency. For wide-bandgap photocatalysts, defect engineering can narrow the bandgap and improve visible-light utilization. However, the resulting band-edge positions may still be unsuitable for photochemical redox reactions, leading to thermodynamic constraints on activity. Recent studies have shown that the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, which arises from the interaction between metal nanoparticles and light, can generate a significant number of "hot electrons" by responding to visible and near-infrared light. These hot electrons, when injected into the photocatalyst, significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency. Moreover, this effect, due to its unique structure, can also increase the oxidation-reduction reaction rate, electron transport efficiency, and polarization degree of molecules adsorbed on the photocatalyst surface. As a result, LSPR has become one of hot spots in the design and research of efficient photocatalysts. Therefore, this paper reviews carefully LSPR effect in depth from its physical mechanism to photocatalytic application. The article describes the basic concepts of the LSPR effect and its influencing factors, including the size and shape of the nanoparticles, the dielectric constant of the surrounding environment, and the interband jump of the metal itself. Subsequently, we summarize LSPR-enabled photocatalysis in representative reactions, including water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and pollutant degradation. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and future opportunities of LSPR-enhanced photocatalytic systems, and propose strategies to further optimize LSPR-driven performance for energy conversion and environmental remediation.