Plasmon-Induced Water Splitting Using Metallic-Nanoparticle-Loaded Photocatalysts and Photoelectrodes

• Published in: Chemphyschem Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 199 - 215
• Main Authors: Ueno, Kosei, Oshikiri, Tomoya, Misawa, Hiroaki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Blackwell Publishing Ltd 18.01.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: artificial photosynthesis; gold nanoparticles; localized surface plasmon resonance; Nanoparticles; titanium dioxide; water splitting; artificial photosynthesis; titanium dioxide; localized surface plasmon resonance; water splitting; gold nanoparticles
• ISSN: 1439-4235; 1439-7641; 1439-7641
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201500761

Visible‐ and near‐infrared‐light‐driven water splitting, which splits water molecules to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases, is a significant subject in artificial photosynthesis with the goal of achieving a low‐carbon society. In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to studies on the development of a plasmon‐induced water‐splitting system responding to visible light. In this review, we categorized water‐splitting systems as gold‐nanoparticle‐loaded semiconductor photocatalytic particles system and metallic‐nanoparticles‐loaded semiconductor photoelectrode systems, and introduce the latest studies according to these categories. Especially, we describe the studies that optimize a material or a structural design of metallic‐nanoparticle‐loaded semiconductor photoelectrodes and consider a whole water‐splitting system, including a cathode design. Furthermore, we discuss important points when studying plasmon‐induced water splitting, and we describe a methodology that enhances plasmon‐induced water‐splitting efficiency. Into the light: Visible and near‐infrared light‐driven water splitting, which splits water molecules to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases, is a significant subject in artificial photosynthesis. In this review, recent progress in the plasmon‐induced water splitting system are introduced, and important points when studying plasmon‐induced water splitting and a methodology that enhances the plasmon‐induced water splitting efficiency are discussed.