Bi2S3 quantum dots in situ grown on MoS2 nanoflowers: An efficient electron-rich interface for photoelectrochemical N2 reduction

Photoelectrocatalysis is considered a green, environmentally friendly, sustainable technology for NH3 synthesis. However, the low efficiency of ammonia synthesis is currently the primary problem in photo electrochemical nitrogen reduction reactions (PEC NRR). Herein, a nanocomposite BQD/MS developed through the in-situ growth of Bi2S3 quantum dots (BQD) on MoS2 (MS) nanoflowers was demonstrated as an efficient PEC NRR catalyst. Experimental results showed that the strong interaction between BQD and MS modulated the interfacial charge distribution and increased the electron density on the MS side. Meanwhile, the excellent structure of BQD/MS promoted the effective migration of photogenerated electrons from excited BQD to the MS surface. The electron-rich MS reaction interface was conducive to cleaving the stable N = N bond and improving the N-2 reduction performance. As a result, the prepared BQD/15MS photocathode obtained an excellent Faradaic efficiency of 33.2% and an NH3 yield of 18.5 mu g h(-1) mg(-1), which was about three times that of bare MS. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

Photoelectrocatalysis is a sustainable and environmentally friendly technology for NH3 synthesis, but the low efficiency of ammonia synthesis in photoelectrochemical nitrogen reduction reactions (PEC NRR) is a major problem. In this study, an efficient PEC NRR catalyst, BQD/MS, was developed and it exhibited excellent structure and interfacial charge distribution, promoting the migration of photogenerated electrons and improving N-2 reduction performance.