Plasmonic quantum dots modulated nano-mineral toward photothermal reduction of CO_(2)coupled with biomass conversion

Simultaneous conversion of CO_(2)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 CO_(2)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(115.7μmol·g^(−1)·h^(−1))and CO generation(44.9μmol·g^(−1)·h^(−1)),along with remarkable benzaldehyde generation rate of 79.5μmol·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 CO_(2)to form key CH_(3)O−intermediates.This work demonstrates the synergistic solar-driven valorization of CO_(2)and biomass using natural mineral based catalyst.