Plasmonic nanoparticles enhance catalysis primarily through two mechanisms: localized heating and the generation of hot electrons. When plasmonic nanoparticles absorb light, they convert it into heat, increasing the local temperature. This localized heating can accelerate chemical reactions. Additionally, the excitation of LSPR generates energetic, or "hot," electrons that can be transferred to reactant molecules, lowering the activation energy and enhancing the reaction rate.
