Work

Z-scheme g-C3N4/MIL-101(Fe) for Enhanced Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation: Structure, Performance and Mechanism Studies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The replacement of energy-intensive Haber-Bosch technique for ammonia production to mitigate global warming is increasingly emphasized. In this paper, we report the preparation of Z-scheme heterojunction nanocomposites for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation by coupling ultrathin two-dimensional g-C3N4 nanosheets with MIL-101(Fe) using a solvothermal method. Methanol was used as a hole sacrificing reagent to strengthen the catalytic performance. The highest NH3 yield of the composites under full spectrum irradiation was 472.8 µmol∙g−1∙h−1, which is about 3.5<?A3B2 pi129?>times that of MIL-101 (Fe). From BET results, photocatalyst with high specific surface area has superior nitrogen fixation performance. The results of PL, EIS, UPS, and ESR show that the presence of Z-scheme heterojunction is largely able to facilitate the separation of electrons and holes. It is one reason for improving performance of nitrogen fixation. The study has provided a viable approach to construct heterojunction photocatalysts with outstanding nitrogen fixation performance.

Source: Journal of Molecular Science

DOI: 10.3724/jmolsci.2025010002

Authors: Meixi Li, Donghui Cui, Xue Yang, Tingting Zhang, Li Fengyan

Institution: Northeast Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province, National Natural Science Foundation of China, People's Government of Jilin Province

Awards: G248237459, G2733268129