In Situ Shape Change of Au Nanoparticles on TiO2 by CdS Photodeposition: Its Near-Field Enhancement Effect on Photoinduced Electron Injection from CdS to TiO2

Overall water splitting and hydrogen peroxide synthesis by gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts

Plasmonic photocatalysts driven by the localized surface plasmon resonance excitation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) can be efficient solar-to-chemical converters due to their wide spectral response. This review article highlights recent studies on plasmonic water splitting and H₂O₂ synthesis from water and oxygen (O₂) with a particular emphasis placed on the electrocatalysis of Au NPs. The Introduction (Section 1) points to the importance of the establishment of solar hydrogen and oxygen cycles involving hydrogen (H₂) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as the key compound, respectively, for realizing a "sustainable society". Section 2 deals with the basic action mechanisms of Au NP-based plasmonic photocatalysts. Section 3 treats the electrocatalytic activity of Au NPs for the half-reactions involved in the reactions. Section 4 describes recent advances in the plasmonic overall water splitting (4.1) and H₂O₂ synthesis (4.2). Finally, a summary is presented with the possible development direction in Section 5.

Size, shape and interface control in gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical transformations

The key parameters in gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts are the gold particle size and shape, and the state of junction between the components. This frontier article highlights our recent advances in the structural design of plasmonic photocatalysts, and their application to solar-to-chemical transformations. As representatives, gold nanoparticle-loaded TiO2 and CdS systems are dealt with in this review. However, the contents would be widely applicable to the design of other systems.