Lighting the Way to Sustainability with Refractory Plasmonic Materials
- 1Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6243 Alumni Crescent, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H4R2
- 2Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 5268 DaCosta Row, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H4R2
Abstract
The search for plasmonic materials that combine strong light-matter interactions with stability under demanding operating conditions has driven growing interest in transition metal nitrides and carbides. These refractory materials offer tunable optical properties, thermal and chemical stability, and diverse electronic structures that distinguish them from conventional noble-metal plasmonic materials. This Review examines the development of refractory plasmonic materials from their fundamental photophysical properties and synthesis to their use in water-energy systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and solar-driven chemical transformations. Attention is given to how composition, stoichiometry, particle morphology, and surface chemistry influence localized surface plasmon resonance, hot-carrier dynamics, and photothermal conversion. We critically assess the sustainability of refractory plasmonics beyond noble-metal replacement, considering resource availability and criticality, synthesis and processing requirements, material complexity, and functional lifetime. Finally, we outline key challenges and emerging opportunities in positioning refractory plasmonic materials as the cornerstone of a sustainable economy.
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BibTeX
@misc{jain2026lighting,
title = {{Lighting the Way to Sustainability with Refractory Plasmonic Materials}},
author = {Vanshika Jain and Dreenan Shea and Blaine G. Fiss and Mita Dasog},
howpublished = {ChemRxiv},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.26434/chemrxiv.15009315/v1},
url = {https://chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10.26434/chemrxiv.15009315/v1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Lighting the Way to Sustainability with Refractory Plasmonic Materials
AU - Vanshika Jain
AU - Dreenan Shea
AU - Blaine G. Fiss
AU - Mita Dasog
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/22
PB - ChemRxiv
DO - 10.26434/chemrxiv.15009315/v1
UR - https://chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10.26434/chemrxiv.15009315/v1
AB - The search for plasmonic materials that combine strong light-matter interactions with stability under demanding operating conditions has driven growing interest in transition metal nitrides and carbides. These refractory materials offer tunable optical properties, thermal and chemical stability, and diverse electronic structures that distinguish them from conventional noble-metal plasmonic materials. This Review examines the development of refractory plasmonic materials from their fundamental photophysical properties and synthesis to their use in water-energy systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and solar-driven chemical transformations. Attention is given to how composition, stoichiometry, particle morphology, and surface chemistry influence localized surface plasmon resonance, hot-carrier dynamics, and photothermal conversion. We critically assess the sustainability of refractory plasmonics beyond noble-metal replacement, considering resource availability and criticality, synthesis and processing requirements, material complexity, and functional lifetime. Finally, we outline key challenges and emerging opportunities in positioning refractory plasmonic materials as the cornerstone of a sustainable economy.
ER -