Plasmon-Driven Energy Conversion

Nanostructures of metals and semiconductors with high densities of free carriers are characterized by collective electronic oscillations induced by electromagnetic radiation, known as localized surface plasmon resonances or plasmons. Plasmons represent a strong light–matter interaction. Due to their exceptional absorption of light, plasmonic nanostructures are being exploited in laboratories worldwide for harvesting light energy and converting it into other forms, including heat, chemical energy, and mechanical motion. Understanding the rich photophysics, electron transport, and molecular dynamics involved in plasmon-driven energy conversion represents an important frontier in chemical physics. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent theoretical and experimental studies that are advancing such understanding and leading to knowledge for plasmon-driven renewable power generation and green manufacturing.

Guest Editors: Prashant K Jain, Wei David Wei, and Zee Hwan Kim with JCP Editor Lasse Jensen