Defect Engineering in Bi-Based Photo/Electrocatalysts for Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Bismuth-based materials are promising for nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR) due to suppressed hydrogen evolution reactions (HER).
• Defect engineering is a key strategy to enhance catalytic activity and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review defect engineering strategies in bismuth-based catalysts for NRR.
• To elucidate the impact of vacancies on NRR performance.
• To provide theoretical guidance for developing defective Bi-based NRR catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Review of defect types and tailoring methods in Bi-based catalysts.
• Analysis of advanced characterization techniques for defect identification.
• Evaluation of catalytic behavior of defective Bi-based catalysts in NRR.

Main Results:

• Defects significantly enhance light absorption, charge carrier separation, and electronic structure of Bi-based catalysts.
• Specific defect types and tailoring methods directly influence NRR efficiency.
• Defective Bi-based catalysts demonstrate improved performance in NRR.

Conclusions:

• Defect engineering is crucial for optimizing Bi-based catalysts for NRR.
• Further research into defect control and characterization is needed.
• This review offers a comprehensive outlook on defective Bi-based NRR catalysts.