Nonmetal Plasmonic Photocatalysts

Abstract

Plasmonic nanostructures have shown immense potential in boosting photocatalytic performance through hot charge carrier injection, electric field enhancement, and local photothermal conversion because of their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. The intriguing feature of the hot carrier transfer mechanism can be classified into three channels, which are indirect and direct charge transfer, intramolecular excitation, and resonant energy transfer. With abundant reserves and favorable stability, nonmetal plasmonic nanostructures are promising alternatives for high-cost and rare noble metals. Nonmetal plasmonic photocatalysts, including metal oxides, metal nitrides, and metal chalcogenides, with broad and adjustable light harvesting capabilities in the ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared region, have been widely used in solar energy conversion and environmental remediation fields. In this Perspective, recent developments of nonmetal plasmonic photocatalysts are briefly summarized. Challenges and future research on constructing highly efficient nonmetal plasmonic photocatalysts are also discussed.