Dual Near-Infrared-Response S-Scheme Heterojunction with Asymmetric Adsorption Sites for Enhanced Nitrogen...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (PNRR) is a promising route for sustainable ammonia synthesis.
• Efficient utilization of near-infrared (NIR) light, which constitutes over 50% of solar energy, remains a challenge for PNRR.
• Developing high-performance photocatalysts is crucial for advancing ammonia production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a dual NIR-responsive S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for enhanced PNRR.
• To investigate the structure-property relationships governing the photocatalytic activity.
• To achieve high ammonia production rates using solar energy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hollow-on-hollow superstructure of ZnCoSx/Fe3S4 heterojunction.
• Characterization of the material's structure, composition, and optical properties.
• Evaluation of photocatalytic ammonia synthesis performance under simulated solar light, including NIR irradiation.

Main Results:

• The ZnCoSx/Fe3S4 heterojunction exhibits dual NIR activity and an S-scheme structure, promoting charge separation.
• The unique hollow superstructure enhances mass transfer and active site exposure.
• Achieved a high NH3 evolution rate of 2523.4 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, apparent quantum yields of 9.4% (400 nm) and 8% (1000 nm), and 0.32% solar-to-chemical efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The developed ZnCoSx/Fe3S4 heterojunction is highly effective for PNRR, utilizing full-spectrum solar light.
• The S-scheme architecture and asymmetric adsorption sites significantly boost catalytic performance.
• This work offers a new strategy for designing advanced photocatalysts for sustainable ammonia synthesis.