How plasmonic nanoparticles use light to break chemical bonds

Small metal nanoparticles contain a plasma of electrons that can be pulled by the electric fields in light waves. At the right color of light, the electron plasma in the nanoparticle is pulled like a spring, and released to oscillate back and forth. All that energy has to go somewhere, and I’m interested in using it to drive chemical reactions, including breaking strong bonds in pollutants like PFAS “forever chemicals” in water. Along the way, I’ll talk about other ways we use light to power chemistry, such as making carbon-neutral fuels. I’ll also explain why metal nanoparticles are especially useful for this type of chemistry. Abigail Derrico, Physics