(Invited) Isotropic Hydrogen Evolution Reactions Induced By Plasmon Excitation

Abstract

The efficient visible light energy conversion to the electrochemical reaction system is an important challenge in the field of photoelectrochemistry. The visible light driven hydrogen evolution reaction can be recognized as one of the important targets. Recently, the introduction of the plasmonic metal nanostructures into the semiconductor electrodes has been received much attention because the system which is recognized as the plasmonic photoconversion electrode realizes the visible light response characters. Although various systems have been achieved both the cathodic and anodic reactions through the selection of the materials, the molecular process or charge transfer process have not been fully understood yet. In this study, we have proposed the plasmonic cathode system by combining the p-type semiconductor electrode with the plasmonic nanostructures and examined the both the electron transfer process.We have confirmed the unique isotope effects which cannot be observed the conventional cathode system, reflecting novel characteristics of molecular process at the plasmonic cathodes.