Bismuth-rich Bi12O17Cl2 nanorods engineered with oxygen vacancy defects for enhanced photocatalytic nitrogen fixation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.170015
• Publication Date: 2023-04-07T06:14:43Z
• Authors: Steven Hao Wan Kok; Jiale Lee; Wei-Kean Chong; Boon-Junn Ng; Xin Ying Kong; Wee-Jun Ong; Siang-Piao Chai; Lling-Lling Tan
• Keywords: Bismuth; Nanorod; Charge carrier

Ammonia (NH3) is an indispensable chemical that serves as a key precursor in the production of wide array commercially essential nitrogenous compounds. The catalytic conversion nitrogen (N2) to NH3 kinetically complicated and energetically demanding reaction. In this regard, inception photocatalytic N2 fixation which operates under mild conditions holds great promise sustainable alternative conventional Haber-Bosch process. Herein, defective bismuth-rich oxychloride with oxygen vacancies (BOC-OV) was synthesized optimized for photo-fixation. fabrication encompassed two-step hydrothermal post-synthesis inert annealing induction (OVs). Through introduction OVs, photocatalyst garnered massively improved photo-absorption range, enhanced charge dynamics, increased efficiency separation. defects generated also provided abundance active sites ease adsorption overcome energy barrier activation molecules. defect-rich BOC-OV sample exhibited notable generation rate 23.43 µmol gcat-1 h-1 pure water solar irradiation. On basis experimental findings, study discloses insights into rational engineering OVs presents OV-induced promising material realization highly efficient photo-driven system.