Thermal pathways with ultrashort pulses for ultrafast photocatalysts

Chemical reactions involve the formation and breaking of bonds in molecules, with their rates determined by the reaction pathway. Using photoexcited plasmonic nanostructures can enhance reaction efficiency by creating a local environment that facilitates reactions at lower temperatures and energy barriers. However, most plasmonic photocatalysts operate steadily, which limits reaction rates and photon usage. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PATHWAYS project will explore thermal and non-thermal pathways using ultrashort pulses to develop new theoretical approaches to drive reactions. The project will use pulsed light to induce localised heating and enhance the photogeneration of hot carriers, promoting reactions with increased energy efficiency. Additionally, it will design metasurfaces to function as ultrafast photocatalysts.