Plasmon-mediated chemical reactions (PMCRs) are processes that make use of nanostructure-based surface plasmons as mediators to redistribute and convert photon energy in various time, space and energy scales, thereby driving chemical reactions by localizing photon, electronic and/or thermal energies. PMCRs can enhance the efficiency of an array of reactions, with potential advantages and unique features over thermochemistry, electrochemistry, photochemistry and photocatalysis. This Primer aims to give a general overview of the key points regarding PMCRs. Following the introduction of the main fundamental mechanism of plasmonic effects including enhanced electromagnetic near field, excited carriers and local heating on chemical reactions, the primary consideration and techniques for designing and constructing plasmonic catalysts are outlined. The typical methods used to characterize plasmonic catalysts and their properties are presented, as well as a discussion of PMCR mechanisms. Recent advances in PMCR application are also reviewed with some typical examples. Finally, the reproducibility and key optimization factors are emphasized, followed by a summary of future challenges and opportunities for the field.

等离子体介导的化学反应 (PMCR) 是利用基于纳米结构的表面等离子体作为介质在不同时间、空间和能量尺度上重新分配和转换光子能量，从而通过定位光子、电子和/或热能来驱动化学反应的过程. PMCR 可以提高一系列反应的效率，与热化学、电化学、光化学和光催化相比具有潜在优势和独特特性。本入门书旨在概述有关 PMCR 的要点。在介绍等离子体效应的主要基本机制（包括增强电磁近场、激发载流子和化学反应的局部加热）之后，概述了设计和构建等离子体催化剂的主要考虑因素和技术。介绍了用于表征等离子体催化剂及其特性的典型方法，并讨论了 PMCR 机制。还结合一些典型实例回顾了 PMCR 应用的最新进展。最后，强调了可重复性和关键优化因素，然后总结了该领域未来的挑战和机遇。