Plasmonic catalysis based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming the kinetic and energetic barriers associated with the activation of chemically inert molecules, including CO2, CH4, and N2. Compared with conventional semiconductor photocatalysts, plasmonic materials exhibit broad light harvesting, strong electromagnetic field confinement, and unique non-radiative decay pathways that generate hot carriers, interfacial charge transfer, and localized photothermal heating. These attributes create new opportunities for driving challenging catalytic transformations under mild conditions.
Translating the architectural advantages of anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis into durable full-cell performance remains challenging because of interfacial trade-offs and ionomer-binder degradation. In this issue of Chem Catalysis, Li et al. engineer a bifunctional, alkali-responsive conjugated-polymer interlayer to achieve ionomer-free membrane electrode assemblies with dynamic chemical protection, providing a versatile strategy for zero-gap water electrolyzers.
