Assembling lanthanide–transition metal clusters on TiO2 for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. Issue 12 (11th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Chao-Long; Wang, Hai-Ying; Li, Jun-Ping; Long, La-Sheng; Kong, Xiang-Jian; Zheng, Lan-Sun
• Is Part Of: Inorganic chemistry frontiers. Volume 9:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 2862
• Page End: 2868
• Publication Date: 2022-05-11
• Subjects: Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1039/d2qi00628f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-1553

Abstract

Abstract : A model for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation was constructed by assembling lanthanide–transition metal (4f–3d) clusters on TiO2 . Ln52 Ni56 not only acts as a tool to improve charge separation but also enriches oxygen vacancies. Abstract : Ammonia synthesis using light with low energy consumption offers an effective solution for energy saving and environmental protection. Herein, an abundant oxygen vacancy photocatalyst was synthesized via the integration of lanthanide–transition metal (4f–3d) clusters Ln52 Ni56 on the TiO2 surface. The investigation of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation showed that Ln52 Ni56 not only acts as a tool to improve charge separation but also enriches oxygen vacancies. Multiple synergies resulted in a photocatalytic nitrogen fixation efficiency of up to 800 μmol h −1 g −1 with the direct utilization of nitrogen and water without any sacrificial agents or co-catalysts. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was conducted to investigate the mechanism of oxygen vacancy inactivation and recovery. This study provides a reference for the construction of a photochemical nitrogen fixation catalyst driven by defect engineering.