Analytical Prediction of Plasmon-Induced Hot Carriers in Clustered Nanoparticles

Plasmon-induced photochemistry is an emerging field that utilizes surface plasmons to activate and control chemical reactions at the nanoscale, presenting significant potential for enhancing photochemical efficiency and developing advanced photocatalytic and photoactive materials. Despite extensive experimental and theoretical studies, the fundamental physics underlying the interaction of plasmonic particles in photochemical processes remains elusive. In this study, we employ an analytical model based on plasmons hybridization to accurately predict electronic transitions in clustered metal nanoparticles. Our model provides a detailed understanding of how the spatial distribution of the electric field influences the energy transitions of hot carriers, surpassing traditional models that focus solely on electric field intensity. Due to its computational efficiency, our model facilitates the exploration of various configurations, aiming to establish design rules that optimize throughput for specific application. These insights significantly advance our comprehension of nanoparticle interactions and their impact on photochemical reactivity, solar energy harvesting and photodetection.