Bi2MO6 (M=Mo, W) Aurivillius Oxides for Efficient Photocatalytic N2-to-NH3 Conversion: A perspective review

Abstract

The emerging synthetic ammonia (NH3) technology, photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (pNRR), holds great prospect for sustainable ammonia synthesis using clean solar energy with zero-emissions. Nevertheless, high bond energy activation of inert nitrogen molecules (N2) remains a bottleneck for pNRR catalysts. Bi2MO6 (M=Mo, W) photocatalysts have highly recognized by the catalytic community due to their versatile structural and electronic properties. In this review, it is the first time to summarize the latest research progress of Bi2MO6 (M=Mo, W) photocatalysts for N2-to-NH3 applications. The process and mechanism of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation were elucidated from the adsorption, activation and hydrogenation of N2-to-NH3. Particularly, the roles of defect engineering and heterojunction strategies on the N2-to-NH3 of Bi2MO6 (M=Mo, W) photocatalysts were summarized, and the accuracy of ammonia nitrogen detection and source was discussed. Finally, the future direction of photocatalytic ammonia synthesis for agricultural and industrial applications was indicated. This review aims to providing forward-looking insights to inspire innovative strategies for sustainable nitrogen fixation and provide a roadmap for future advancements.