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 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) under solar light irradiation, even 78.76 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) under NIR light (lambda > 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.