Dual-Plasmon Resonance Coupling Promoting Directional Photosynthesis of Nitrate from Air

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• Plasmon-mediated photocatalysis offers sustainable nitrogen oxidation but faces efficiency limitations due to poor electromagnetic field enhancement and short hot carrier lifetimes.
• Traditional plasmonic catalysts hinder the large-scale application of photocatalytic nitrogen conversion technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate a dual-plasmonic heterojunction (Bi/CsxWO3) for efficient and selective photocatalytic N2 oxidation.
• To enhance localized electromagnetic field intensity and prolong hot carrier lifetime for improved photocatalytic performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dual-plasmonic heterojunction using Bismuth (Bi) and Cesium Tungsten Oxide (CsxWO3).
• Evaluation of photocatalytic N2 oxidation efficiency under full-spectrum irradiation.
• Analysis of surface dual-plasmon resonance coupling effects on electromagnetic field enhancement and hot carrier dynamics.

Main Results:

• The Bi/CsxWO3 heterojunction achieved a nitrate yield of 694.32 μg/g/h, 2.4 times higher than CsxWO3 alone.
• The dual-plasmon resonance coupling effect significantly enhanced localized electromagnetic fields and delayed hot carrier self-thermalization.
• Synergistic effects of reactive oxygen species (•O2− and •OH) and N2 activation led to efficient nitrate production.

Conclusions:

• The Bi/CsxWO3 dual-plasmonic heterojunction demonstrates superior performance in photocatalytic nitrogen oxidation.
• Dual-plasmon resonance coupling is a key factor in enhancing photocatalytic efficiency by optimizing carrier utilization.
• This work provides a new strategy for designing advanced photocatalytic systems for nitrogen conversion.