Plasmonic semiconductor: A tunable non-metal photocatalyst.

Doped semiconductor, a newly discovered plasmonic nanomaterial, has attracted tremendous interest due to its tunable properties. In the field of photocatalysis, the perfect combination of metal-like and semiconductor properties makes it the replacement and supplement of metal plasmonic nanomaterials. This new plasmonic photocatalysis offers high conversion efficiencies and wide optical absorption range with low fabrication costs. This article reviews the recent developments and achievements by which the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in non-metal plasmonic nanomaterial for photocatalytic applications, including pure non-metal plasmonic photocatalysts and various enhancement strategies such as doping, co-catalyst, heterojunction, LSPR coupling and upconversion luminescence enhancement. It broadens the horizons for plasmonics in the study of photocatalysis and even in energy-related applications. • LSPR in doped semiconductor opens up a new strategy of plasmonic. • It has unique advantage of integrating metal-like and semiconductor properties. • This allows photocatalyst to expand absorption range and promote charges separation. • Non-toxic and low cost are key supplement for the promising wide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]