J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2026, Vol. 243: 245-255.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2025.05.016

• Research article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Hyper-release regulation of localized surface plasmon resonance in tungsten oxide for efficient S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts

Minghe Dua, Songyu Yanga, Jianjun Zhanga, Dmitrii A. Syrtsovc, Jahan B. Ghasemid, Matvey V. Fedinb,*, Liuyang Zhanga,*   

  1. aLaboratory of Solar Fuel, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, 68 Jincheng Street, Wuhan 430078, China;
    bInternational Tomography Center SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia;
    cNovosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia;
    dChemistry Faculty, School of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
  • Received:2025-04-09 Revised:2025-05-09 Accepted:2025-05-18 Published:2026-02-01 Online:2025-05-30
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: mfedin@tomo.nsc.ru (M.V. Fedin), zhangliuyang@cug.edu.cn (L. Zhang).

Abstract: In transition metal oxides, introducing high concentrations of charge carriers can induce localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), akin to noble metals, thus broadening the photocatalyst's response spectrum. However, a lack of comprehensive theoretical understanding of LSPR limits its full exploitation in photocatalytic systems. In this study, we propose a strategy to regulate the hyper-release of LSPR in S-scheme heterojunctions. By leveraging Mie-Gans theory and hot electron transfer kinetics, we achieve a finely tuned balance between the trapping and release of LSPR-induced hot electrons through defect concentration optimization. Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we distinguish LSPR-related signals in the infrared region and quantify the hot electron transfer efficiency in the heterojunction, providing compelling evidence for the hyper-release mechanism. An S-scheme heterojunction between monoclinic W18O49 and cubic CdS was constructed via an in-situ growth strategy without the use of noble metal co-catalysts, resulting in a composite that achieves an outstanding photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 3125 µmol h-1 g-1, outperforming conventional designs. This work not only offers fresh insights into the electron dynamics of the LSPR effect but also sets a benchmark for designing plasmonic-semiconductor hybrid systems, opening new horizons for sustainable energy conversion technologies.

Key words: Localized surface plasmon resonance, Oxygen vacancy tuning, S-scheme heterojunction, Mie-Gans theory, Femtosecond transient absorption