Ti3C2TxMXenedoped by W Atoms for Full-Spectrumphotofixation of Nitrogen

Full-spectrum photofixation of N2 with remarkable NH3 production rate of 228μmol/(g·h) was achieved by W atoms doped Ti3C2TxMXene (W/Ti3C2Tx-U) catalyst without sacrificial agents at room temperature. The effects of W doping and ultrasonic intercalation of Ti3C2TxMXene were studied. Scanning transmission electron microscope, electron spin resonance spectra, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometer,temperature programmed adsorption analyzer and density functional theory calculation were used to characterize the obtained catalysts. Results showed that Ti3C2TxMXene harvested ultraviolet-visible and near-infrared light to generate hot electrons. In addition, the doped W atoms played an effective role in adsorbing and activating N2 molecules by donating electrons to the anti-bonding orbitalof N2 molecules to elongate the bond length of N≡N.