The role of 13X molecular sieves in photocatalytic nitrogen fixation

Abstract

To overcome the weak adsorption and difficult activation of N₂ on catalysts in the photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), we put forward that the introduction of molecular sieve 13X may realize the enrichment and activation of N₂. 13X and the photoactive substrate BiOBr were assembled electrostatically to construct composite catalysts. In the presence of 13X, they are rich in nitrogen adsorption and activation sites, and the highest ammonia yield can reach 360.5 μmol h⁻¹ g_cat⁻¹. It is surprising to find that 13X is able to optimize the photoelectric properties. This work extends the function of molecular sieves in the NRR and offers guidance to design catalysts with high photocatalytic activity.