Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles for Artificial Photosynthesis: Advancements, Mechanisms, and Perspectives

Plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PNPs) have been proven effective in improving the performance of semiconductor photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis (AP). It brings about more light absorption for catalysts and new pathways for chemical reactions, which shows great potential in solar energy conversion. To see the current status and possible development of this material in AP reactions, including photocatalytic water splitting and CO 2 reduction, the important advances in this field based on particulate photocatalysts containing PNPs are reviewed. Relevant mechanisms proposed in literature are also summarized. In the end, perspectives and outlook on the development of PNPs in AP are presented.