Single-Atom Mo Supported by TiO₂ for Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Efficient photocatalysts for nitrogen fixation remain a significant challenge.
• Single-atom catalysts offer high utilization efficiency and enhanced intrinsic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a TiO2-based single-atom photocatalyst for efficient nitrogen fixation.
• To investigate the effect of molybdenum (Mo) single atoms on TiO2 for photocatalytic ammonia synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Loading TiO2 with Mo single atoms using an organic molecule as a support.
• Tuning the Mo loading to optimize the catalytic microenvironment.
• Evaluating photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance at room temperature.

Main Results:

• The TiO2-Mo10 catalyst exhibited a high nitrogen fixation rate of 42.05 μmol·g-1·h-1.
• Enhanced electron separation and migration within TiO2 were observed.
• The N≡N bond was significantly weakened, facilitating ammonia formation.
• Excellent structural stability and cycle life were maintained.

Conclusions:

• Predesigning TiO2-based single-atom photocatalysts with tailored structures is feasible for efficient nitrogen fixation.
• Mo single atoms effectively enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 for nitrogen fixation.
• This research provides insights for the rational design of single-atom photocatalysts.