A size tunable bimetallic nickel-zinc nitride as a multi-functional co-catalyst on nitrogen doped titania boosts solar energy conversion

Abstract

To enable high-efficiency solar energy conversion, rational design and preparation of low cost and stable semiconductor photocatalysts with associated co-catalysts are desirable. However preparation of efficient catalytic systems remains a challenge. Here, N-doped TiO₂/ternary nickel-zinc nitride (N–TiO₂–Ni₃ZnN) nanocomposites have been shown to be a multi-functional catalyst for photocatalytic reactions. The particle size of Ni₃ZnN can be readily tuned using N–TiO₂ nanospheres as the active support. Due to its high conductivity and Pt-like properties, Ni₃ZnN promotes charge separation and transfer, as well as reaction kinetics. The material shows co-catalytic performance relevant for multiple reactions, demonstrating its multifunctionality. Density functional theory (DFT) based calculations confirm the intrinsic metallic properties of Ni₃ZnN. N–TiO₂–Ni₃ZnN exhibits evidently improved photocatalytic performances as compared to N–TiO₂ under visible light irradiation.