NH3 synthesis via visible-light-assisted thermocatalytic NO reduction by CO in the presence of H2O over Cu/CeO2

A photothermal catalytic system comprising Cu/CeO2 was applied to the reaction between NO, CO and H2O for production of NH3 under visible-light irradiation. High NO conversion (94.4%) selectivity (66.5%) were achieved over in presence at 210 °C. Visible light further improved (97.7%) (69.1%). The quasi-situ EPR in-situ DRIFTS results indicated that initially reacts with form an HCO3* intermediate, which then decomposes into CO2 activated H*. Finally, H* produce NH3. localized surface plasmon resonance effect Cu nanoparticles induced by visible promotes decomposition H*, while regenerating oxygen vacancies (OVs, activation sites) CeO2 sites, resulting enhanced production. This study offers a convenient approach mild conditions.