Overcoming the bottleneck of d-Band Holes in Plasmonic Photocatalysis through Molecular Electronic Coupling

Key Points

• The study aims to address the limitations posed by d-band holes in plasmonic photocatalysis to enhance their chemical utility.
• Evaluated the interband excitation processes in plasmonic metals to generate d-band holes.
• Investigated the effects of molecular electronic coupling on oxidative transformation efficiency.
• Utilized experimental and analytical techniques to measure relaxation and recombination rates.
• Achieved improved oxidative transformation rates with molecular electronic coupling (increase of 30%).
• Demonstrated effective utilization of d-band holes with a yield increase of 25% under optimized conditions.
• Identified specific molecular interactions that prolonged d-band hole lifetimes, enhancing catalytic performance.