Cracked spindle morphology of MIL-101(Fe) for improved photocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Morphology regulation is a simple way to improve photocatalytic activity. In this work, a MIL-101(Fe) photocatalyst with cracked spindle morphology has been successfully prepared by EG pre-coordination solvothermal method. The cracking degree of MIL-101(Fe) can be regulated by adjusting pre-coordination time. The MIL-101(Fe) with the optimal uniform crack displays a best NH 3 evolution rate of 592 μmol h −1 g −1 under the visible light irradiation. Cracked MIL-101(Fe) is similar to a semi-exposed model, which can increase the number of reactive sites, improve refraction and reflection of light, and ultimately enhance the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation activity. This work developed a convenient strategy to improve the photocatalytic activity of nitrogen reduction by controlling morphology. A MIL-101(Fe) photocatalyst with cracked spindle morphology has been successfully prepared by EG pre-coordination solvothermal method. The cracking degree of MIL-101(Fe) can be regulated by adjusting pre-coordination time. • MIL-101(Fe) was prepared by EG pre-coordination solvothermal method. • MIL-101(Fe) was a regular octahedron with uniform cracks. • The cracks increase light utilization efficiency and the number of reactive sites. • The photocatalytic activity was correlated with the degree of cracks.