Applications of Noble Metal Nanoparticles in the Field of Photocatalysis

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change is currently at the forefront of many political discussions, with much effort focused on curbing pollution and developing reaction pathways that are more environmentally benign. One of the largest and most problematic issues is sustainability and designing routes that minimize or eliminate our large dependence on fossil fuels. Over the past decade, the unique optical properties of noble metal nanoparticles have garnered considerable attention as a possible means of contributing to the design of “greener” reaction pathways using light as a primary driving force and an integral reaction participant. Noble metal nanoparticles are attractive, from a catalytic point of view, given the ability to tailor the activity of the nanospecies through the control of shape and size. Moreover, the union of noble metal nanoparticles with a myriad of semiconductor surfaces has enabled the design of a myriad of hybrid materials showcasing the versatility of these nanospecies in not only homogenous, but also heterogenous catalyst design. Many of the aforementioned systems have proven successful in the fields of sustainable energy development and photosynthetically-driven reactions.

The applications of noble metal nanoparticles in light-driven processes are diverse and transcend scientific disciplines. The following Special Issue will aim to highlight the vast application range of light-activated noble metal nanoparticles including, but not limited to, development of novel colloidal systems, bimetallic and alloy hybrids, photocatalytic applications, surface plasmon resonance properties, as well as both chemical and theoretical insight into the mechanisms by which the light activation of these materials occurs. Accepted contributions must describe the design and characterization of a noble metal nanoparticle catalyst and also demonstrate a potential application in photochemical transformation.

Dr. Geniece L. Hallett-Tapley
Dr. Stefania Impellizzeri
Guest Editors

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• Noble metal nanoparticles
• Light activation
• Surface Plasmon Resonance
• Homogenous/Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Photoredox Chemistry
• Size and shape control
• Photocatalysis
• Sustainable catalysis