Enhanced Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation on MoO2/BiOCl Composite

Abstract Converting N 2 into NH 3 under mild conditions is a great challenge because of the highly stable N≡N bond and the difficult chemisorption of N 2 at the active site. Herein, we report that MoO 2 /BiOCl composites realized excellent photocatalytic nitrogen fixation efficiency when water was used proton source. The strong interaction between BiOCl nanoplates and MoO 2 nanosheets regulated the electronic structure of the interface and provided active sites for the catalytic reaction. The Mo−O−Bi bonds formed at the interface of MoO 2 and BiOCl worked as the bridge of electrons, facilitating the separation and migration of photo‐generated charge carriers. In addition, the interface of MoO 2 /BiOCl composite also promoted the adsorption and activation of N 2 , substantially enhanced N 2 reduction. As a result, ammonia production rate of 35 μmol g −1 h −1 was achieved, which is 8‐fold higher than that of pristine BiOCl and 6‐fold higher than that of MoO 2 . This work presents a feasible route to design the nanocomposites with better performance for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.