Non-Noble Plasmonic Metal-Based Photocatalysts

Chem Rev. 2022 Jun 8;122(11):10484-10537. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00473. Epub 2022 Apr 19.

Abstract

Solar-to-chemical energy conversion via heterogeneous photocatalysis is one of the sustainable approaches to tackle the growing environmental and energy challenges. Among various promising photocatalytic materials, plasmonic-driven photocatalysts feature prominent solar-driven surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Non-noble plasmonic metals (NNPMs)-based photocatalysts have been identified as a unique alternative to noble metal-based ones due to their advantages like earth-abundance, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale application capability. This review comprehensively summarizes the most recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and properties of NNPMs-based photocatalysts. After introducing the fundamental principles of SPR, the attributes and functionalities of NNPMs in governing surface/interfacial photocatalytic processes are presented. Next, the utilization of NNPMs-based photocatalytic materials for the removal of pollutants, water splitting, CO2 reduction, and organic transformations is discussed. The review concludes with current challenges and perspectives in advancing the NNPMs-based photocatalysts, which are timely and important to plasmon-based photocatalysis, a truly interdisciplinary field across materials science, chemistry, and physics.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Metals
  • Solar Energy*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Metals
  • Water