Abstract
The unique properties of light-responsive plasmonic metal nanostructures featuring tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-absorption have found increasing exploitation in the fields of light emission, sensing, catalysis, and theragnosis. In this contribution, we turn our attention to the recently proposed exploitation of plasmonic metal architectures in the development of next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices, with a focus on stationary systems in the electricity sector. The proposed strategy aligns with the rising interest in integrated solar energy harvesting in battery systems. Here, we consider two representative candidates, Li–S and Li–O2, for which operation principles and challenges are conveniently first introduced. We review previously reported plasmon-enhanced systems and offer detailed guidelines and strategies in this field, reflecting on a cost-performance duality, expected difficulties and drawbacks of the proposed concept, and the roles of metal nanostructures within these unique electrochemical environments. We also propose valuable analytical tools to disentangle and efficiently exploit distinct plasmonic effects (including injection of hot carriers) and shed light on the required cell design and cathode preparation in light-responsive devices. This contribution reflects a valuable outlook and a guide for the development of plasmon-enhanced energy storage in a field of ever-growing concern.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 101033 |
Journal | Materials Today Energy |
Volume | 27 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea ( NRF ) grant funded by the Korean Government ( 2020R 1A 2C 3003958 ), by the Basic Science Research Program (Priority Research Institute) through the NRF funded by the Ministry of Education ( 2021R 1A 6A 1A10039823 ), by the Korea Basic Science Institute (National Research Facilities and Equipment Center) grant funded by the Ministry of Education ( 2020R 1A 6C 101B194 ), and by the Creative Materials Discovery Program through the NRF funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT ( 2018M 3D 1A 1058536 ). F.M.M. also acknowledges the support by the Brain Pool Program through the NRF funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT ( 2017H1D3A1A02054206 ).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords
- Electrocatalysis
- Hot carriers
- Li–S battery
- Li–air battery
- Near-field enhancement
- Surface plasmon resonance