Plasmonic catalyst makes light work of carbon monoxide

In recent years, interest has grown in plasmonic catalysts, which can use solar energy to drive chemical reactions. However, the best materials for absorbing photons are often ineffective catalysts. But now US researchers have produced nanoparticles comprising a plasmonic core that can absorb light, surrounded by a shell that acts as an effective catalyst. The researchers demonstrated the nanoparticles’ effectiveness in a reaction vital for fuel cells, and they believe similar nanoparticles could be effective for other reactions.