Reconfigurable carbon quantum emitters from CO 2 gas reduced via surface plasmons

Silver gratings supporting surface plasmons at 532 nm catalyze the formation of light-emitting solid carbon from ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_2$ gas, revealing a low-energy ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_2$ reduction pathway involving hot electrons. Reversibility and spatial control over the formation of carbon quantum emitters are achieved.