Metal nanocrystals (NCs), particularly for plasmonic metal NCs with specific morphology and size, can strongly interact with ultraviolet-visible or even near-infrared photons to generate energetic charge carriers, localized heating, and electric field enhancement. These unique properties offer a promising opportunity for maneuvering solar-to-chemical energy conversion through different mechanisms. As distinct from previous works, in this review, recent advances of various characterization techniques in probing and monitoring the photophysical/photochemical processes, as well as the reaction mechanisms of plasmon-mediated photoredox catalysis are thoroughly summarized. Understanding how to distinguish and track these reaction mechanisms would furnish basic guidelines to design next-generation photocatalysts for plasmon-enhanced catalysis.

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跟踪等离子体介导的光氧化还原催化的最新进展

金属纳米晶体 (NCs)，特别是具有特定形态和尺寸的等离子体金属 NCs，可以与紫外-可见光甚至近红外光子强烈相互作用，产生高能电荷载流子、局部加热和电场增强。这些独特的特性为通过不同机制操纵太阳能到化学能的转换提供了有希望的机会。与以往的工作不同，在这篇综述中，全面总结了各种表征技术在探测和监测光物理/光化学过程以及等离子体介导的光氧化还原催化的反应机制方面的最新进展。了解如何区分和跟踪这些反应机制将为设计用于等离子体增强催化的下一代光催化剂提供基本指导。