The working principle of plasmonic photocatalysts revolves around the excitation of localized surface plasmons. When light of a specific wavelength strikes the metal nanoparticles, it excites the conduction electrons, creating an enhanced electromagnetic field around the nanoparticles. This enhanced field can then transfer energy to nearby semiconductor materials or directly participate in breaking chemical bonds, thus facilitating various photocatalytic reactions. The increased local electromagnetic field can also generate hot electrons, which can be injected into the conduction band of the semiconductor, further promoting catalytic activity.
