Construction of plasmonic CuS/attapulgite nanocomposites toward photothermal reforming of biomass for hydrogen production

As a naturally abundant resource, biomass holds significant potential as an alternative to non-renewable fossil feedstock for producing value-added chemicals and fuels. However, its applications are limited by low conversion efficiency and product selectivity. In this study, we synthesized plasmonic CuS/phosphoric acid-modified attapulgite (P-ATP) nanocomposites using a microwave hydrothermal approach. The formation of an S-type heterostructure between CuS and P-ATP markedly improved the separation of electrons and holes. Additionally, the CuS/P-ATP nanocomposites featured numerous acidic sites, significantly enhancing the conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into furan-2,5-dicarbaldehyde (DFF). CuS-induced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) extended the absorption spectrum into the near-infrared region, raising the surface temperature and substantially improving photocatalytic activity. The 30 % CuS/P-ATP exhibited the highest hydrogen evolution rate of 286 μmol g−1 h−1 and the highest DFF generation rate of 31 μmol g−1 h−1, while maintaining a 95 % selectivity for DFF. This study demonstrates the commercial potential of clay minerals for biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production. •CuS/phosphoric acid-modified attapulgite nanocomposite was obtained.•CuS and P-ATP formed S-type heterojunction favored the separation of e-/h+.•P-ATP owned abundant acidic sites accelerating the selective oxidation of HMF.•CuS-induced LSPR extended the light absorption and increased the temperature.•Superior hydrogen evolution rate and high selectivity for DFF both realized.