Bisphenol A assisted Ti3C2Tx/CuZnInS Schottky heterojunction for highly efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation combined with degradation of organic pollutants is a promising technology to alleviate the growing energy and environmental crisis. In this work, Ti 3 C 2 T x /CuZnInS (TiC/CZIS) Schottky heterojunction difunctional photocatalytic was rationally designed for efficient nitrogen fixation synergistic bisphenol A (BPA) degradation. The Ti 3 C 2 T x ultra-thin nanosheets with richer surface-active groups and lower Fermi level greatly improved the carrier generation and separation ability of CZIS nanosphere. In addition, the coupling of TiC extended the absorption of CZIS to infrared region, which provided the possibility of efficient photocatalytic activity in cloudy and rainy days. As a result, an enhanced photocatalytic nitrogen fixation activity of 45.6 μmol/g/h was achieved. It should be noted that once appropriate amount of BPA was introduced to the photocatalytic system, a satisfied activity of 82.5 μmol/g/h was obtained, BPA can also be degraded by 58.5% within 180 min by TiC/CZIS. Through a series of experimental characterizations, the photocatalytic active substances and degradation pathway of BPA was investigated, and the possible photocatalytic mechanism was established. This work lays a foundation for the design of environmentally friendly photocatalysts and their applications in the fields of environmental purification and energy conversion. [Display omitted] • Ti 3 C 2 T x decorated CuZnInS was designed for waste to energy conversion. • The hybrid has richer reactive sites, enhanced charge transfer and sunlight response ability. • Enhanced nitrogen fixation activity is achieved by the assistance of BPA. • A systematic study of photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]