A plasmonic MOFs/Ag nanostructure for in-situ SERS monitoring of plasmon-mediated chemical reactions

Plasmon-mediated chemical reactions (PMCRs) are considered as promising methods for promoting photo-driven chemical reactions by using solar energy. In this work, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs; HKUST-1) /Ag NPs substrate was feasibly prepared by electrodeposition method and electrostatic adsorption, and it was applied for in-situ monitoring of PMCRs from 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4-NBT) to 4, 4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB). By conducting in-situ surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), the HKUST-1/Ag NPs substrate was proved performing efficient localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Surprisingly, higher efficiency of plasmon catalytic reaction was observed comparing with traditional Ag substrate, which was benefited from the adsorption capacity and stabilization effect of HKUST-1. Thus, the reaction mechanism testified by using the high efficiency HKUST-1/Ag NPs substrate, and a novel route monitoring the plasmon catalytic reaction was further offered.