Abstract
In plasmonic metals, surface plasmon resonance decays and generates hot electrons and hot holes through non-radiative Landau damping. These hot carriers are highly energetic, which can be modulated by the plasmonic material, size, shape, and surrounding dielectric medium. A plasmonic metal nanostructure, which can absorb incident light in an extended spectral range and transfer the absorbed light energy to adjacent molecules or semiconductors, functions as a "plasmonic photosensitizer." This article deals with the generation, emission, transfer, and energetics of plasmonic hot carriers. It also describes the mechanisms of hot electron transfer from the plasmonic metal to the surface adsorbates or to the adjacent semiconductors. In addition, this article highlights the applications of plasmonic hot electrons in photodetectors, photocatalysts, photoelectrochemical cells, photovoltaics, biosensors, and chemical sensors. It discusses the applications and the design principles of plasmonic materials and devices.
Highlights
The term “hot carriers” defines the charge carriers in a non-equilibrium state with larger energy than in the thermal equilibrium state
In properly designed nanostructures of metals, free electrons will oscillate collectively if the incident light matches the resonant frequency of the collective electrons, known as SPR, including localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs)
This review article deals with plasmonic hot carriers, which are generated in plasmonic metal nanostructures under illumination of visible- or infrared-light.[14,15]
Summary
The term “hot carriers” defines the charge carriers (electrons and holes) in a non-equilibrium state with larger energy than in the thermal equilibrium state. The branching ratio of these processes depends on the size, shape, and local media surrounding the plasmonic metal nanostructures. Each of these energy transfer processes can be used for a specific application. This review article deals with plasmonic hot carriers, which are generated in plasmonic metal nanostructures under illumination of visible- or infrared-light.[14,15] Both hot electrons and hot holes are involved in interesting physical or chemical processes. Plasmonic hot electrons are abundant and have high energy levels but short-lived These unique features bring new opportunities to applications, accompanied by new challenges
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