Bi₂Ti₂O₇ Quantum Dots for Efficient Photocatalytic Fixation of Nitrogen to Ammonia: Impacts of Shallow Energy Levels.

ABSTRACT: Photocatalytic fixation of nitrogen to ammonia represents an attractive alternative to the Haber-Bosch process under ambient conditions, and the performance can be enhanced by defect engineering of the photocatalysts, in particular, formation of shallow energy levels due to oxygen vacancies that can significantly facilitate the adsorption and activation of nitrogen. This calls for deliberate size engineering of the photocatalysts. In the present study, pyrochlore Bi₂Ti₂O₇ quantum dots and (bulk-like) nanosheets are prepared hydrothermally by using bismuth nitrate and titanium sulfate as the precursors. Despite a similar oxygen vacancy concentration, the quantum dots exhibit a drastically enhanced photocatalytic performance toward nitrogen fixation, at a rat

SUBMITTER: Li P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11538629 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature