Plasmon Induced Near-Infrared Active Photocatalysts: A Review

In the recent past, near-infrared (NIR) active photocatalysts have received tremendous research attention to harvest solar NIR energy as the solar spectrum carries abundant NIR light. Again, plasmonic materials with their intense surface plasmon resonance (SPR) activity in the visible and NIR range can be a suitable candidate for NIR active photocatalysis. However, the ultrafast energy relaxation of the plasmon-generated hot electrons restricts their application in photocatalysis. In this review, the recent progress in the plasmon-induced NIR active photocatalysis has been summarized. Particular emphasis has been given to divulging the mechanism to NIR modulation of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), LSPR intensification, LSPR induction mechanism in non-noble metals, and suitable technologies to separate the photogenerated hot electrons efficiently and their exploration in photocatalytic reactions. The drawbacks, possible solutions, and potential of non-noble metal plasmonic photocatalysis have been discussed in detail. Finally, the review ends with concluding remarks and possible prospects of plasmonic photocatalysts. It is believed that this review will inspire researchers to rationally design broad-spectrum (UV-vis-NIR) active photocatalysts to harvest solar light efficiently.