Boron-doped graphene quantum dot/bismuth molybdate composite photocatalysts for efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation reactions

Bismuth molybdate (BMO) is a promising visible-driven photocatalyst and constructing heterojunctions in BMObased materials is an effective way to enhance photocatalytic performance. In this study, boron-doped graphene quantum dots (BGQDs) were synthesized by one-step pyrolysis and carbonization, followed by the preparation of bismuth molybdate/boron-doped graphene quantum dots (BGQDs/BMO) heterojunction photocatalysts using insitu growth method. The introduction of BGQDs significantly improved the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation activity under the irradiation of visible light and without scavengers. The highest NH3 yield was achieved with BGQDs/BMO-10, which was 3.48 times higher than pure phase BMO. This improvement was due to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions between BGQDs and BMO with the synergistic mechanism of interfacial charge transport and the generation of more protons. This study provides useful guidance for enhancing the visible-light nitrogen fixation performance of BMO materials.

Automated summary

Boron-doped graphene quantum dots (BGQDs) were synthesized and used to prepare bismuth molybdate/boron-doped graphene quantum dots (BGQDs/BMO) heterojunction photocatalysts. The introduction of BGQDs significantly improved the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation activity of BMO under visible light irradiation without scavengers. The highest NH3 yield was achieved with BGQDs/BMO-10, which was 3.48 times higher than pure BMO, attributed to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions between BGQDs and BMO and the synergistic mechanism of interfacial charge transport and proton generation. This study provides valuable guidance for enhancing the visible-light nitrogen fixation performance of BMO materials.