Rational design of complex quantum dots decorated ceria nanorods for efficient visible-light driven nitrogen fixation

Abstract

Ceria-based materials, as very active photocatalysts for redox reactions, have been widely investigated, but there are few reports on nitrogen photofixation. Herein, complex dots of Cu2O/Cu-C decorated CeO2 nanorods with an overall photocatalytic nitrogen fixation process are considered. Remarkable photocatalytic performances are obtained by adjusting the band gap structures and surface activity site status. The as-prepared sample has excellent visible light absorption capacity, more photoinduced oxygen defects and excellent nitrogen absorption ability. The ammonia yield is approximately 1124 µmol·gcal−1·h−1 under light irradiation with no sacrificial agents, increasing approximately 8.5 times compared with the Cu-decorated sample. The apparent quantum efficiency at 420 nm is also more than 1.1%. This work may provide a new avenue for the efficient design of photocatalytic materials without any precious metals.