Localized surface plasmon resonance enhanced near-infrared photoelectrocatalysis: a review

Infrared light accounts for approximately 49% of the solar radiation energy, yet most semiconductor photocatalytic (PC) and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) materials demonstrate limited efficiency in utilizing this spectral region. Expanding the light absorption into the near-infrared (NIR) range is critical for the improvement of the solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) materials, known for their exceptional NIR responsiveness and strong interaction with semiconductors, offer considerable potential for enhancing the PC and PEC efficiency in the NIR region. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the design and optimization of plasmonic-material/semiconductor heterostructures, emphasizing strategies on enhancing NIR absorption through LSPR effects to improve PEC performance. By exploring the optical properties and the underlying physical principles of LSPR materials, we identify the critical factors that influence their NIR response. We also discuss how the metal- and semiconductor-based plasmonic materials enhance the PEC performance, and reveal the LSPR mechanisms for the enhancement. This review highlights the future prospects of LSPR materials in enhancing NIR absorption for PEC applications while addressing the remaining technical challenges.