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Hollow InVO4 Nanocuboid Assemblies toward Promoting Photocatalytic N2 Conversion Performance
Qiutong Han1, Xiaowan Bai2, Jingming Chen1
1Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics (MOE), Institute of Acoustics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, Ecomaterials and Renewable Energy Research Center (ERERC), School of Physics, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, P. R. China.
Researchers developed a unique Indium Vanadate (InVO4) mesocrystal superstructure. This structure enhances photocatalytic performance for nitrogen fixation into ammonia by improving charge mobility and reducing electron-hole recombination.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photocatalysis
Background:
- Indium Vanadate (InVO4) is a promising photocatalyst.
- Controlling nanostructure morphology is key to enhancing photocatalytic efficiency.
- Efficient charge separation and transport are critical for photocatalytic reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a unique InVO4 mesocrystal superstructure with a cubical skeleton and hollow interior.
- To investigate the growth mechanism of the InVO4 mesocrystal.
- To evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the InVO4 mesocrystal for nitrogen fixation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of InVO4 mesocrystal superstructures using a combination of reaction-limited aggregation and Ostwald ripening.
- Characterization using surface photovoltage and confocal fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Assessment of photocatalytic activity for N2 fixation to NH3.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized InVO4 mesocrystal superstructures composed of aligned nanocubes.
- Demonstrated that the ordered mesocrystal structure retards electron-hole recombination.
- Achieved a quantum yield of 0.50% for N2 fixation into NH3 at 385 nm.
Conclusions:
- The unique InVO4 mesocrystal superstructure facilitates anisotropic electron flow, enhancing charge mobility.
- The developed material shows significant potential for efficient photocatalytic applications, particularly in nitrogen fixation.
- The synergy between structure and charge transport properties is crucial for advanced photocatalysis.
