Localized surface plasmon resonance enhanced electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) can effectively improve the catalytic activity of electrocatalysts by using solar energy. However, the application of LSPR effect in the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is still blank and the ability of LSPR to enhance the catalytic activity of ENRR is unclear. Herein, the effective enhancement for the NRR electrocatalytic activity of Au nanorods (NRs) under illumination conditions based on the LSPR effect was successfully achieved. Under the irradiation of 808 nm laser (80 mW cm-2), the rate of ammonia yield increased about 63.6% with comparison of that in dark. Meanwhile, combined with the results of the Finite difference time domain method (FDTD) simulation and photocurrent analysis, it is proved that the hot electrons excited by LSPR effect can effectively promote the ENRR catalytic activity of Au NRs. This study provides an important reference for the design of a novel LSPR-promoted electrocatalyst for NRR.