Enhanced Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation on MoO2/BiOCl Composite

Converting N-2 into NH3 under mild conditions is a great challenge because of the highly stable N equivalent to N bond and the difficult chemisorption of N-2 at the active site. Herein, we report that MoO2/BiOCl composites realized excellent photocatalytic nitrogen fixation efficiency when water was used proton source. The strong interaction between BiOCl nanoplates and MoO2 nanosheets regulated the electronic structure of the interface and provided active sites for the catalytic reaction. The Mo-O-Bi bonds formed at the interface of MoO2 and BiOCl worked as the bridge of electrons, facilitating the separation and migration of photo-generated charge carriers. In addition, the interface of MoO2/BiOCl composite also promoted the adsorption and activation of N-2, substantially enhanced N-2 reduction. As a result, ammonia production rate of 35 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) was achieved, which is 8-fold higher than that of pristine BiOCl and 6-fold higher than that of MoO2. This work presents a feasible route to design the nanocomposites with better performance for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.