fig1

Figure 1. Key processes in the photothermal effect. (A) Light absorption at specific resonant wavelengths occurs through plasmonic excitation within metal nanoparticles, generating high-energy charge carriers. (B) Hot electrons (e^-) can directly participate in CO₂ reduction reactions when the metal nanoparticle forms a junction with a p-type semiconductor, while in n-type semiconductors, hot holes (h⁺) can facilitate oxidation reactions. (C) Photon-to-phonon conversion within the crystal lattice of metal nanoparticles leads to localized heating. (D) The accumulated heat is subsequently transferred or dissipated to the surrounding environment or support material, contributing to a temperature gradient.