In-situ construction of WS₂/ZIF-8 composites with an electron-rich interface for enhancing nitrogen photofixation

Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (PNRR) is an environmentally friendly synthesis method. It has been regarded as a promising approach for future NH₃ preparation, which can reduce the natural fuel consumption and pollution of the Haber Bosch process. Nevertheless, this method exists poor activity for mass production, so it is urgent but challenging to explore highly efficient catalysts. Here, the novel WS₂/ZIF-8 composites are reported, DFT and XPS indicate the transfer direction of electrons is from ZIF-8 to WS₂, forming an electron-rich interface between WS₂ and ZIF-8, thus it endows the more powerful photocatalytic nitrogen reduction ability for 2-WS₂/ZIF-8 than monomer material. Meanwhile, 2-WS₂/ZIF-8 exhibits admirable photocatalytic nitrogen reduction performance under real and simulated sunlight or in tap water, further attesting its excellent stability and practicability.