Efficient Solar-Driven Nitrogen Fixation over Carbon-Tungstic-Acid Hybrids

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal 2016-09, Vol.22 (39), p.13819-13822
• Main Authors: Li, Xiaoman, Wang, Wenzhong, Jiang, Dong, Sun, Songmei, Zhang, Ling, Sun, Xiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activation; Adsorption; Ammonia; Atmospheric pressure; Carbon; Chemistry; Cleavage; Design; Design engineering; Desorption; Efficiency; Energy consumption; Energy utilization; Evolution; Fixation; Hybrids; Industrial development; Industrialization; Neural networks; Nitrogen; Nitrogen fixation; Optimization; photocatalysis; Protonation; Protons; Simulation; Solar energy; Strategy; Sunlight; Temperature effects; tungstic acid
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201603277

Ammonia synthesis under mild conditions is of supreme interest. Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation with water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure is an intriguing strategy. However, the efficiency of this method has been far from satisfied for industrialization, mainly due to the sluggish cleavage of the N≡N bond. Herein, we report a carbon–tungstic‐acid (WO3⋅H2O) hybrid for the co‐optimization of N2 activation as well as subsequent photoinduced protonation. Efficient ammonia evolution reached 205 μmol g−1 h−1 over this hybrid under simulated sunlight. Nitrogen temperature‐programmed desorption revealed the decisive role of carbon in N2 adsorption. Photoactive WO3⋅H2O guaranteed the supply of electrons and protons for subsequent protonation. The universality of carbon modification for enhancing the N2 reduction was further verified over various photocatalysts, shedding light on future materials design for ideal solar energy utilization. Photocatalyzed nitrogen fixation: A carbon–tungstic‐acid hybrid for the co‐optimization of N2 activation as well as subsequent photoinduced protonation has been developed. Efficient ammonia evolution was achieved over this hybrid under simulated sunlight (see figure).