Size, shape and interface control in gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical transformations

The key parameters in gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts are the gold particle size and shape, and the state of junction between the components. This frontier article highlights our recent advances in the structural design of plasmonic photocatalysts, and their application to solar-to-chemical transformations. As representatives, gold nanoparticle-loaded TiO 2 and CdS systems are dealt with in this review. However, the contents would be widely applicable to the design of other systems. The activity of gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts can be enhanced through the ingenious control of the size, shape and interface.