Plasmonic metal nanostructures (e.g., Au, Cu, Pt, Ru) have attracted considerable attention in photothermal catalysis due to their unique capabilities in light-field regulation and energy conversion.

Blobs of water encased in nanoparticles can be carved into precise shapes with a laser, and even turned into a kind of miniature lab device. When water is added to a gel of hydrophobic silicon dioxide ...