How Do Metal Nanoparticles Contribute to Catalysis?
Metal nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This phenomenon occurs when conduction electrons on the metal surface oscillate in resonance with incident light. The enhanced local electromagnetic field can significantly increase the rate of catalytic reactions, especially in plasmonic photocatalysis. The LSPR effect also enables sensitive detection methods for studying catalytic processes.
