Electromagnetic induction effect induced high-efficiency hot charge generation and transfer in Pd-tipped Au nanorods to boost plasmon-enhanced formic acid dehydrogenation

Abstract Improving the photo-induced hot charge utilization rate in granular catalysts with specific nanostructure is hindered by limited hot electron production and rapid recombination in plasmonic metal particles; therefore, promoting photo-induced hot charge generation and transfer during the plasmonic process is a vital approach for enhancing plasmonic catalytic performance. In this work, with the intention of constructing Pd-tipped Au nanorod heterostructures to achieve plasmon-enhanced formic acid dehydrogenation, the magnetic-field-derived electromagnetic induction effect is utilized to further boost the generation and transfer of plasmonic hot charges in Au nanorods. By exposing the plasmonic catalytic system to a rotating permanent magnet at 28 °C, formic acid dehydrogenation efficiency was improved by approximately 60%. The improvement rate in the same system can exceed 150% at 45 °C. This enhancement is attributed to the increase in plasmonic hot charges and the suppression of charge recombination based on the electromagnetic induction effect of plasmonic Au nanorods in a rotating magnetic field. This work provides a practical strategy for designing high-activity catalysts regulated via magnetic field for formic acid dehydrogenation.