Plasmonic W18O49/attapulgite nanocomposite with enhanced photofixation of nitrogen under full-spectrum light.

Ammonia (NH₃) obtained by traditional Haber–Bosch technique under extreme conditions stimulates the exploration of sustainable approach via nitrogen photofixation process, however, efficient utilization of solar energy remains a great challenge. Herein, a novel plasmonic W₁₈O₄₉ supported on acid modified attapulgite (H-ATP) composite was prepared by microwave hydrothermal method. The impact of the loading fraction of W₁₈O₄₉ on the ammonia production rate was investigated. Results indicate that ATP possesses abundant adsorption sites after modified by phosphoric acid which facilitates the immobilization of W₁₈O₄₉. The 40% W₁₈O₄₉/H-ATP achieves the highest ammonia production rate of 138.76 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under solar light irradiation, even 78.76 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under NIR light (λ > 780 nm). The formed Z-scheme heterostructure improves the separation of charge-carriers, and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of W₁₈O₄₉ broadens the light response range, both of which contribute to the enhanced nitrogen photofixation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]