Plasmonic Ag Nanoparticles Supported on Laser-Induced Graphene Electrodes for Catalysis

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The excellent surface area and outstanding conductivity of laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes, combined with the unique properties of adsorbed plasmonic nanoparticles, provide a scalable and cost-effective platform for advanced plasmonic electrocatalytic applications. This study employs electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) on LIG electrodes integrated with plasmonic silver (Ag) nanoparticles to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of surface-adsorbed molecules through localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The synergy between plasmonic effects and the applied electrode potential ( E ) significantly improves catalytic activity and is crucial for controlling the course of the reactions. We demonstrate the potential of LIG-based plasmonic electrodes in key light-dependent electrocatalytic reactions. These include the reversible transformation of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) to 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB), the conversion of 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP) to 4-ATP via DMAB as an intermediate, and the dehalogenation of 4-bromothiophenol (4-BTP). The dehalogenation reaction of 4-BTP is followed by hydrogenation, yielding thiophenol (TP) molecules and carbon–carbon bond formation through cross-coupling, producing 4,4′-biphenyl dithiol (4,4′-BPDT) molecules. This approach offers a scalable, cost-effective platform for developing next-generation plasmonic electrocatalysts for heterogeneous catalysis.