TiO<sub>2</sub> Quantum Dots/Fe<sub>3</sub>S<sub>4</sub> Heterojunction Nanocomposites for Efficient Ammonia Production through Nitrogen Fixation upon Simulated Sunlight
Khadijeh Pournemati, Aziz Habibi‐Yangjeh, Alireza Khataee
Abstract
Using semiconductor photocatalysts instead of the traditional Haber–Bosch procedure to produce ammonia is a promising strategy to save energy and prevent environmental pollution. Therefore, finding a suitable photocatalyst with high efficiency and stability has become one of the big challenges of research communities in the field of heterogeneous photocatalysis. Herein, S-scheme TiO 2 quantum dots (QDs)/Fe 3 S 4 heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized through a hydrothermal route. The nitrogen photofixation measurements exhibited that the TiO 2 QDs/Fe 3 S 4 photocatalysts have excellent activities, where the generation of NH 3 by the optimized nanocomposite reached 16,624 μmol L –1 g –1 upon simulated sunlight. This amount was almost 19.9, 6.30, and 2.85 times as high as those of TiO 2, TiO 2 QDs, and Fe 3 S 4 photocatalysts, respectively. The promoted photocatalytic ability was devoted to outstanding visible-light absorption, accelerated segregation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs, and enhanced surface area. The key purpose of this research was the rational design of a photocatalyst based on TiO 2 QDs through a one-pot and facile fabrication procedure, which exhibits admirable performance in the field of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. Considering the advantages of binary TiO 2 QDs/Fe 3 S 4 photocatalysts, it is anticipated that this photocatalyst could be utilized in solar energy conversion processes.