Title : Synergistic plasmonic–semiconductor architectures for next-generation dual hot-carrier photocatalysis: Fundamentals, challenges, and future perspectives

The development of efficient plasmonic-semiconductor photocatalytic systems relies on the precise control of hot carriers generated by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This photocatalyst uniquely drives chemical reactions by producing non-equilibrium hot carriers. Injecting hot carriers from plasmonic metal into a semiconductor can promote reactions through mechanisms such as plasmon-induced electron transfer (PIET), plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET), and plasmon-induced interfacial charge-transfer transition (PICTT). Most studies focus on hot electron transfer due to the relatively longer electron lifetime compared to the ultrafast, transient hot hole. This review examines approaches for the simultaneous extraction of hot electrons and hot holes in plasmonic-semiconductor heterostructures. By employing interfacial engineering/Schottky junctions, external force modulation, plasmonic/2D semiconductor hybrids, anisotropic and non-stoichiometric self-doping, both hot electrons and hot holes can be efficiently extracted. This bipolar hot carrier system creates localized energetic electrons as reductive sites and energetic holes as oxidative sites, resulting in improved catalytic performance. Integrating dual-carrier extraction enables more effective solar spectrum utilization and provides a robust foundation for designing highly selective catalysts. This study discusses hot-carrier generation and thermalization, extraction (barrier crossing probability), theoretical models for quantifying hot-carrier yield, injection mechanisms, synergistic hot-carrier utilization, optimized architecture design, and advanced techniques for plasmonic hot-carrier characterization. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps and outlines future directions, including the development of alternative earth-abundant plasmonic materials and advanced spectroscopic methods with theoretical modeling (DFT and FDTD) to bridge laboratory findings and practical, large-scale photocatalytic applications.

Abdu Hussen Ali is a chemist, researcher, and academic specializing in inorganic chemistry, nanomaterials, and environmental applications. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in Chemistry with Distinction from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, in 2016. He subsequently pursued advanced studies at Haramaya University, Ethiopia, where he earned his Master of Science (MSc.) degree in Inorganic Chemistry with Distinction in July 2019. His postgraduate studies provided him with extensive academic and research experience in chemistry and functional materials.

Following his MSc graduation, Abdu joined Mekdela Amba University, Ethiopia, as a Lecturer of Inorganic Chemistry, where he gained six years of experience in university-level teaching, research, and academic activities. In September 2022, he joined the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, to pursue his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, where he continued to develop his research expertise and academic career. Since September 2025, he has also been a Research Fellow at Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT), China, where his current work focuses on materials science and engineering, particularly the synthesis and application of advanced nanomaterials.

His research interests include the design and synthesis of semiconductor, plasmonic, and polymer-supported nanomaterials for environmental remediation, photocatalysis, wastewater treatment, and chemical sensing. He has published more than 17 scientific articles and authored two laboratory guidebooks available internationally in five languages. His current research focuses on the controlled synthesis and optimization of plasmonic nanomaterials using approaches such as the continuous variation method and tannic acid stabilization for wastewater treatment and other environmental applications.