Defense: Yifan Yu- Harnessing the Full Solar Spectrum: Leveraging Both Thermal and Nonthermal Pathways in Plasmonic Catalysis for Net-Zero Carbon Fuel Production

Harnessing the Full Solar Spectrum: Leveraging Both Thermal and Nonthermal Pathways in Plasmonic Catalysis for Net-Zero Carbon Fuel Production

Plasmonic photocatalysis offers a promising strategy for converting solar energy into chemical fuels by leveraging localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in metallic nanostructures. In this dissertation, I investigate the fundamental mechanisms of plasmonic enhancement-namely photothermal and nonthermal (electronic excitation) effects-and develop quantitative methods to decouple their contributions under reaction conditions. By applying these methods to critical reactions such as carbon dioxide hydrogenation and ammonia synthesis, I demonstrate how plasmonic effects can be tuned to drive chemical reactions. The insights gained enable the rational design of broadband plasmonic systems capable of operating under ambient conditions, advancing the broader goal of sustainable and efficient chemical transformations.