Water splitting by infrared femtosecond laser excitation of surface plasmon

Gold nanoparticles supported on soda-lime glass exhibit a photochemical water splitting activity under infrared femtosecond laser excitation. Both H2 and hydroxyl radicals productions were characterized. The hydroxyl radicals production mechanism was identified by comparison with three prototypal mechanisms, photoionization of organic compound in the UV, VUV dissociation of water and water gamma radiolysis. The mechanisms involved in the case of laser femtosecond seem to be water ionization events occurring at distance from the gold particles.