Non-resonant plasmon energy transfer processes for catalysis

How can energy transfer catalysis move beyond fragile molecular light absorbers toward more robust and tunable systems? Here we show that tiny gold nanostructures can act as universal energy donors to activate otherwise inactive gold-based catalysts using light. By introducing a molecular mediator, we demonstrate that the localized energy within the nanoparticles can be passed along through a two-step mechanism, ultimately creating a reactive excited state in the gold complex, even when the light does not directly match its energy levels. Spectroscopic measurements confirm the formation and lifetime of this state and provide clear evidence of successful energy transfer. These results establish how plasmonic materials can drive catalytic reactions through controlled energy flow, opening new opportunities for designing durable and versatile systems for light-driven chemistry.