Vladimir Lomonosov

My research focuses on the synthesis of sustainable photoactive nanomaterials, their characterisation, and application as light-harvesters, including sunlight-driven catalysis and  carbon capture.

Plasmon-driven catalysis

My research in non-conventional catalytic activation of stable molecules, including greenhouse gases, is inspired by my PhD, where I investigated complex conjugation effects in the oxidation of light hydrocarbons. Kinetic factors limit the efficiency of traditional thermocatalytic conversion of light hydrocarbons, and optimisation of these reactions requires alternative activation pathways. Plasmon-driven catalysis relies on a phenomenon called localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) – light-driven resonant electron oscillations in nanomaterials that lead to antenna-like absorption of light. When photons interact with plasmonic nanoparticles, their energy is absorbed to create a resonance that decays into “hot” electron-hole pairs that can selectively activate stable molecules under mild conditions.

Earth-abundant plasmonic nanomaterials 

The vast majority of research on plasmon-driven catalysis is centred around the well-recognised plasmonic metals, Au and Ag. However, as opposed to conventional thermal catalysis, where a few atomic percent of active albeit expensive component (e.g. platinum group metals) is sufficient to boost catalytic performance, in plasmon-driven catalysis, plasmonic material represents a major part of a catalyst. Hence, large-scale application of Au and Ag is not economically viable due to their high price. Only a few metals can sustain strong LSPRs, and Mg stands out by possessing a unique combination of properties: earth-abundance, low price, and ability to absorb light across the entire solar spectrum. In the Optical Nanomaterials Group, we developed new methods for controllable and scalable synthesis of Mg and Mg-based multimetallic plasmonic NPs, including core-shell and core-satellite structures. Protected by a native surface oxide layer, these plasmonic structures resist oxidation to up to 400˚C, enabling their safe storage and utilisation. We now envision earth-abundant Mg-based nanomaterials for sunlight-assisted carbon capture and greenhouse gases conversion into value-added chemicals to address environmental challenges.