Direct Z-scheme among Niobium Pentoxide and Poly(heptazine imide) for NH3 Photoelectrosynthesis under Ambient Conditions

Author(s)

Blaskievicz, Sirlon F. ; Teixeira, Ivo Freitas ; Mascaro, Lucia Helena ; de Brito, Juliana Ferreira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMCATCHEM; v. N/A, p. 10-pg., 2023-01-26.

Abstract

There is a crescent need to improve well-known processes to environmentally friendly options, and NH3 production is not an exception. Herein, we describe the photoelectrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction under a carbon nitride, the poly(heptazine imide) (PHI) using mild conditions for NH3 synthesis. For this purpose, PHI was combined with Nb2O5 nanotubes, leading to a new photocathode with a charge transfer process in a Z-scheme structure. The photoelectrocatalytic N-2 reduction was carried out in Nb(2)O(5)Nt/PHI using solar-simulated radiation and with an applied bias of -0.3 V-Ag/AgCl. The PHI presence in the photocathode showed not only superior stability compared to bare Nb2O5, but also an ammonia generation rate of 0.156 mmol L-1 h(-1) cm(-2), which is about 10-fold higher than the amount obtained with niobium oxide alone. The mild and green conditions employed for ammonia generation place the obtained photocathode as a promising option for the currently used Haber-Bosch process. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 18/02950-0 - Photoelectrocatalytic reduction of N2 to NH3 in a photoelectrochemistry reactor with a photoanode-driven of Nb2O5/Pt and cathode of GDL decorated with Fe, Co and Sb2Se3
• Grantee: Juliana Ferreira de Brito
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/11986-5 - Generation and storage of New Energy: bringing technological development for the country
• Grantee: Ana Flávia Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program