Behavior of 4-Aminobenzenthiol on plasmonic surfaces - photochemistry and plasmonic catalysis

What is it about?

This study focuses on investigating the laser-induced reactions of surface complexes of 4-aminobenzenethiol on Ag, Au, and Cu surfaces. By utilizing different excitation wavelengths, the distinct behavior of the molecule species on the plasmonic substrates was observed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to establish the significant role of chemical enhancement mechanisms in determining the observed behavior. The interaction between 4-aminobenzenethiol (4-ABT) molecules and plasmonic surfaces led to the formation of surface complexes with absorption bands red-shifted into the visible and near-infrared regions. Photochemical transformations were induced by excitation wavelengths from these regions, with the nature of the transformations varying based on the excitation wavelength and the plasmonic metal.

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Why is it important?

The study shows the importance of the plasmonic resonance profile, the irradiation, and the role of metallic surfaces on molecular photophysical and photochemical behavior - surface photocatalytic processes. It provides insights into the potential applications of laser-induced reactions for surface analysis and molecular/supramolecular manipulation.