SPR Effect Enables Flexible Electronic Environment and Activity of Cd_0.7In_2.2S_4–30 for High-Performance Pyro-PEC Catalytic Capability

Plasma-semiconductor systems hold significant promise in the field of photoelectrocatalysis. In this study, the pyroelectric material cadmium indium sulfide (Cd_0.7In_2.2S_4-30) and Pt were used as catalysts, and a temperature gradient was introduced to investigate the influence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect on the pyroelectric and photocatalytic performance. Interestingly, under the influence of the SPR effect, Cd_0.7In_2.2S_4-30 demonstrates a 1.6-fold and 1.4-fold increase in current density under photocatalytic and pyro-photoelectrocatalytic conditions at 1.23 V vs RHE, respectively. Furthermore, under the protection of surface metal Pt, a notable enhancement in the charge separation efficiency and stability of the photoelectrode material is observed. The combination of outstanding performance reveals that Pt noble metal ions, influenced by the SPR effect, generate a localized electric field at the adjacent semiconductor interface, enhancing the charge transfer capability between metal nanoparticles and the semiconductor, thereby promoting electron-hole separation and improving semiconductor photocatalytic activity. Additionally, the SPR effect increases the yield of high-energy pyro-electrons on plasma metal and facilitates their effective transfer to the semiconductor, thereby promoting the generation of thermally induced electrons. This study reveals the multifaceted of SPR effects on the behaviors of semiconductors and provides an opportunity to rationally design metal-semiconductor photocatalytic materials for efficient solar energy conversion.