Advancements in Non-Noble Metal Based Plasmonic Materials for Sustainable Nitrogen Photofixation

Abstract

Ammonia is vital for industries, especially agriculture, where it is used in fertilizers to boost crop yields. Globally, about 176 million tons of ammonia is produced annually. Its synthesis relies on the Haber–Bosch process, which is energy-intensive ($\approx 500{}^{\circ }C$, 150 atm) and environmentally unsustainable. This has sparked considerable interest in developing alternative, more sustainable approaches for nitrogen fixation. One promising area of research is plasmonics. Plasmonics explores light interaction with nanomaterials, traditionally using noble metals like gold and silver, which are costly and scarce for large-scale use. Alternative materials such as bismuth, aluminum, and metal oxides exhibit plasmonics, providing a more sustainable and affordable solution for industrial applications. Recent research have focused on optimizing these non-noble metal plasmonic materials for sustainable nitrogen fixation. This review offers in-depth understanding of plasmonics in both noble and non-noble metals. The review then delves into the mechanisms of photocatalytic processes, particularly hot carrier generation, offering insights into their role in enhancing catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the review highlights cutting-edge research on photocatalytic nitrogen fixation, emphasizing the use of alternative plasmonic materials as a sustainable approach to ammonia synthesis. Finally, it identifies challenges, suggests solutions, and sets the stage for advancing plasmonic photocatalysis.