Bi₂MoO₆/Bi₂MoO_6-x S-Scheme Homojunction for Efficient Photocatalytic N₂ Reduction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Ammonia production relies heavily on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.
• Developing efficient photocatalysts for nitrogen fixation is crucial for sustainable ammonia synthesis.
• Existing photocatalysts face challenges in efficiency and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel S-Scheme homojunction photocatalyst for enhanced nitrogen fixation.
• To investigate the structure-property relationships of the synthesized material for ammonia production.
• To evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the new material under simulated sunlight.

Main Methods:

• A solvothermal-calcination coupling method was used to prepare Bi2MoO6/Bi2MoO6-x S-Scheme homojunctions.
• Micronano spherical structures were synthesized to increase active sites and prevent agglomeration.
• The material's surface, interface structure, and oxygen-rich vacancy were characterized.

Main Results:

• The Bi2MoO6/Bi2MoO6-x S-Scheme homojunction exhibited a high ammonia generation rate of 238.7 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹.
• This rate is over 5.2 times higher than that of pristine Bi2MoO6.
• The S-Scheme homojunction demonstrated superior charge separation, transport, and strong redox capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized micronano spherical Bi2MoO6/Bi2MoO6-x S-Scheme homojunction is an effective photocatalyst for ammonia production.
• The unique structural and electronic properties of the homojunction enhance photocatalytic activity.
• This study presents a versatile method for synthesizing homojunctions, paving the way for advanced photocatalyst development.