Efficient hydrogen isotope separation utilizing photocatalytic capability

Abstract

Developing efficient and low-energy hydrogen isotope separation technology is one of the key requirements for fuel cycle and deuterium tritium wastewater treatment in the current development of nuclear fusion. Due to the almost identical physical and chemical properties of hydrogen isotopes, the rapid production of H₂ is an important challenge for selective photocatalytic hydrogen isotope separation. We report an effective strategy for hydrogen isotope separation based on N–O–C₃N₄ photocatalysis. By simultaneously doping nitrogen and oxygen, the microstructure and band structure of the g-C₃N₄ catalyst were significantly optimized, resulting in improved catalytic activity. The inherent differences in flow states between H₂O and D₂O, as well as the differences in binding energy between H–O and D–O, provide opportunities for the separation of hydrogen isotopes. The hydrogen production rate of the N–O–C₃N₄ catalyst under visible light conditions is 7.439 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and the H/D separation factor is about 6.44. The photocatalytic strategy has mild and environmentally friendly reaction conditions, and this research work provides a reference for the development of efficient and advanced isotope separation systems.