Stephen J Cronin

US Patent:

20210146347, May 20, 2021

Filed:

Jun 23, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/625466

Inventors:

- East Hartford CT, US
George N. Gibson - Storrs CT, US
Stephen B. Cronin - South Pasadena CA, US
Arturo O. Pilar - Coventry CT, US
Ernest F. Guignon - Canton CT, US

International Classification:

B01J 35/00
C01B 3/04
C01B 13/02
G01N 21/25
G01N 21/63

Abstract:

Plasmonically-enhanced catalytic surfaces and accompanying optics are described herein. These elements facilitate efficient coupling of light energy into a photocatalytic system by way of a surface plasmon. Various compatible optical configurations are presented, with an emphasis on the broadband coupling of light into a single plasmon mode. In an example embodiment, dispersive optics are used to direct polychromatic light onto a grating-embossed SPR-active surface. Dispersive optics allow resonance to be achieved at a wide range of incident wavelengths. Energy then transfers from the excited plasmon to an adjacent photocatalyst. The plasmon mode thus acts as a “funnel” of broadband light energy to the catalytic materials. High-efficiency incoupling and outcoupling from the plasmon mode suggest overall enhancement of catalytic activity, and broad applicability is anticipated due to the inherent flexibility of the system. The catalytic surfaces and optical components can be fabricated as sheets or 3D arrays, justifying industrial-scale manufacturing.