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Plasmonic quantum dots modulated nano-mineral toward photothermal reduction of CO2 coupled with biomass conversion
Nano Research 2024, 17 (6): 5061-5072
Published: 04 March 2024
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Simultaneous conversion of CO2 and biomass into value-added chemicals through solar-driven catalysis holds tremendous importance for fostering a sustainable circular economy. Herein, plasmonic Bi quantum dots were immobilized on phosphoric acid modified attapulgite (P-ATP) nanorod using an in-situ reduction–deposition method, and were employed for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 coupled with oxidation of biomass-derived benzyl alcohol. Results revealed that Bi atoms successfully integrated into the basal structure of P-ATP, forming chemically coordinated Bi–O–Si bonds that served as efficient transportation channels for electrons. The incorporation of high-density monodispersed Bi quantum dots induced a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, expanding the light absorption range into the near-infrared region. As a consequence, the photo-thermal transformation was significantly accelerated, leading to enhanced reaction kinetics. Notably, 50% Bi/P-ATP nanocomposite exhibited the highest plasmon-mediated photocatalytic CH4 generation (115.7 μmol·g−1·h−1) and CO generation (44.9 μmol·g−1·h−1), along with remarkable benzaldehyde generation rate of 79.5 μmol·g−1·h−1 in the photo-redox coupling system under solar light irradiation. The hydrogen protons released from the oxidation of benzyl alcohol facilitated the incorporation of more hydrogen protons into CO2 to form key CH3O intermediates. This work demonstrates the synergistic solar-driven valorization of CO2 and biomass using natural mineral based catalyst.

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