Work

Defect-Rich Gas–Solution Photocatalytic Systems for Nitrogen Reduction Reactions: Enabling Energy and Carbon Reductions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The efficient and sustainable production of ammonia is pivotal for global food security and energy sustainability. In this study, we developed a novel gas–solution (G–S) photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (PNRR) system utilizing molybdenum oxide deposited onto carbon fiber paper (MoO 3 @CFP) and a low-cost 24 W plant lamp as the illumination source. The G–S system eliminates the need for nitrogen gas bubbling by relying on ambient air as the nitrogen source and was demonstrated to be a simplified and scalable approach to ammonia production. The amorphous structure of MoO 3 @CFP provides abundant active sites and defect centers, enabling effective nitrogen activation and reduction. Under optimized conditions (current = 0.25 A, deposition time = 600 s, stirred), the system achieved a mass-normalized ammonia production rate of 15.144 mmol·g –1 ·h –1 and sustained performance over five consecutive cycles (1 h per cycle). Material characterization confirmed the structural integrity and compositional stability of the catalyst after repeated use. A working mechanism is proposed in which Mo–O–Mo linkages and defect sites facilitate electron transfer and nitrogen activation. Overall, this study introduces a cost-effective route to photocatalytic ammonia synthesis using ambient air in a G–S configuration.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c07318

Authors: Shih-Mao Peng, Muhammad Saukani, Jen-Chang Yang, Tsung-Rong Kuo

Institutions: Taipei Medical University, Universitas Islam Kalimantan Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjary

Language: English

Topic: Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935