Plasmonic photocatalysts consisting of gold nanoparticles (NPs) and stable metal oxide semiconductors (Au/MOs) represented by Au/TiO₂ are very promising materials for solar-driven water purification due to the possible mineralization of organic pollutants. This critical review highlights recent progress of the Au/MO plasmonic photocatalysts for water purification with an emphasis on the fundamentals of the Au NP-based plasmonic photocatalysts to provide readers with material design guidance. First, the degradation mechanism of organic pollutants by the Au/MO plasmonic photocatalysts is explained by comparing it with that of the conventional semiconductor photocatalytic process. Second, the optical, adsorption, and redox properties of Au NP-based plasmonic photocatalysts are discussed with their stability and the others. Third, methods for preparing Au/MOs are described. Fourth, some cutting-edge research relating to the effects of Au particle size and MO support on the plasmonic photocatalytic activity for water purification is described. Particularly, we show the importance of crystallographic control of the Au-MO interface and decoupling of the Au NP actions as photosensitizers and electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Finally, conclusions and some future challenges are summarized.

中文翻译：

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金纳米粒子基等离子体光催化剂用于水净化的基础和应用

由于有机污染物可能矿化，由金纳米颗粒（NPs）和以Au/TiO ₂为代表的稳定金属氧化物半导体（Au/MOs）组成的等离激元光催化剂是非常有前途的太阳能驱动水净化材料。这篇评论重点介绍了用于水净化的 Au/MO 等离子体光催化剂的最新进展，重点介绍了基于 Au NP 的等离子体光催化剂的基本原理，为读者提供材料设计指导。首先，通过与传统半导体光催化过程的比较，解释了Au/MO等离子体光催化剂降解有机污染物的机理。其次，讨论了 Au NP 基等离子体光催化剂的光学、吸附和氧化还原性能及其稳定性等。第三，描述了Au/MOs的制备方法。第四，介绍了有关 Au 粒径和 MO 载体对水净化等离激元光催化活性影响的一些前沿研究。特别是，我们展示了 Au-MO 界面的晶体学控制以及 Au NP 作为氧还原反应的光敏剂和电催化剂的作用的重要性。最后，总结了结论和未来的一些挑战。