Plasmon-enhanced electrocatalysis in large-scale tunable 2D gold nanoparticle arrays

Electrocatalysis stands at the forefront of efficient energy conversion and storage technologies, with the amplification effects of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) opening avenues for heightened electrocatalytic activity. This research delves into optimizing electrocatalytic efficiency in two-dimensional (2D) gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) arrays, capitalizing on LSPR enhancement and systematic arrangement of catalytic sites. By strategically altering polymer chain lengths and applying plasma etching, we fine-tune interparticle spacing, revealing catalytic sites and preserving the arrays structural integrity. Glucose oxidation was employed as a model reaction for catalytic evaluation, revealing the intricate interplay among interparticle distances, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects, and catalytic activity. Our findings highlight a significant enhancement in electrocatalytic efficiency through the synergy of light-induced LSPR coupling, with notable improvements in current density of up to 2.2-fold. This research establishes a clear correlation linking ligand attributes, interparticle spacing, and catalytic effectiveness. It highlights the potential for precise control over interparticle distance and array configuration, offering a pathway to strategically optimize the catalytic performance of plasmonic nanoparticle arrays. These insights hold promise for advancing various applications reliant on precise catalytic control in nanomaterials.