Direct evidence of plasmonic enhancement on catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol over silver nanoparticles supported on flexible fibrous networks

摘要: Abstract Direct evidence of plasmon-enhanced 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction is observed in a photo-assisted catalytic process with the NaBH 4 as electron donator by using Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) supported onto flexible and processable polyacrylonitrile (PAN) microfibrous network. The Ag/PAN composite fibrous networks exhibit certain activity for 4-NP general condition. Significantly, when beam irradiation introduced to excite surface plasmon resonance (SPR) AgNPs, we an enhanced (1 ∼ 3 times). Meanwhile, enhancement factors kinetic constants are directly correlated SPR absorption spectra AgNPs. Further in-depth studies adjusting experiment conditions reveal that SPR-induced ultrafast thermal effect AgNPs responsible can not be nevertheless initiated or magnified hot plasmonic electrons from Ag. By combining theoretical analyses, propose this ascribed promoted diffusion rate reactants solution driven increasing local temperature around on basis SPR-enhanced electric field. Our present work provides new sight understand metal-related reactions, would also create more opportunities guide design fabrication high-performance catalysts excellent recycling property.