Plasmonic shaped AgX:Ag (X = Cl, Br) nanoparticles have been synthesized by a facile and versatile glycerol-mediated solution route. The as-prepared AgX:Ag nanoparticles exhibit regular shapes, i.e., cube-tetrapod-like AgCl:Ag nanoparticles and AgBr:Ag nanoplates. Compared with the pristine AgX, AgX:Ag nanocomposites display stronger absorption in the visible region due to the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. The calculation of bandgaps and band positions indicates the as-achieved AgX:Ag nanoparticles can be used as a class of potential photocatalyst for the reduction of CO₂. For example, reduction of CO₂ under visible light irradiation with the assistance of the anisotropic AgX:Ag nanoparticles yields as much as 100 μmol methanol in the products. Furthermore, the AgX:Ag nanoparticles can maintain its structure and activity after 3 runs of reactions. Therefore, the present route opens an avenue to acquire plasmonic photocatalysts for conversion of CO₂ into useful organic compounds.

A colloidal chemical strategy has been developed for the synthesis of ultrathin 1T′-MoTe₂ nanosheets, showing an enhanced supercapacitor performance.

The review provides an overall survey on the state-of-the-art silver–silver halide-based photocatalysts, fundamental understanding of their plasmonically induced photo-reactions and their major environmental applications.

Strategies to enhance CO ₂ capture and separation based on state-of-the-art adsorbent materials have been proposed by topological structure design, chemical doping, chemical functionalization, open metal sites, and electric fields. This review presents a constructive way for the design and screening of novel adsorbent materials.