Surface plasmon resonance results in fascinating optical and physical characteristics when interacting with light. This Review summarized recent progress in plasmon-induced water splitting by plasmonic metal–semiconductor catalysts, including developments in the understanding of plasmonic charge separation, distribution and reaction sites, together with devices for enhancing the plasmon-induced water splitting efficiency.

Abstract

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in metals results in unique optical properties and photoelectric functions, which are helpful for light harvesting in photocatalysis. Additionally, the plasmon-associated charge transfer process gives a complementary platform to understand the charge dynamics at a fundamental level. This Review focused on the recent developments of water splitting by plasmonic metals/semiconductor photocatalysts. Firstly, the basic characteristics of SPR and the plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis mechanisms including plasmon resonance energy transfer and interfacial charge transfer are introduced, highlighting the recent understanding of the plasmonic electron-hole separation, distribution, and the reaction sites for water splitting. Then, advances in the strategies to improve the quantum efficiency of plasmon-induced water splitting are summarized by considering modulation in metals, interface contacts, and bulk properties of semiconductors. Finally, we discuss future prospects in the development of high-efficiency plasmonic metal/semiconductor photocatalysts for water splitting.