Plasmonic nanoparticles: Photocatalysts with a bright future

Plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) are currently actively researched for their application towards enhancing catalytic transformations, thanks to their appealing property to strongly interact with light. Beyond the seminal application of supported gold nanoparticles towards photooxidation reactions, plasmon-mediated catalysts are promising candidates for the design of a wider range of visible-light driven reactions. Such systems include free standing gold, silver and copper nanoparticles as well as PNP-based photocatalysts coupled with other metals and supports. In this Current Opinion , recent examples of the use in catalysis of plasmonic nanoparticles are presented with a special emphasis on organic transformations.