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. 2024 Sep 1;14(1):20301.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-71016-y.

Improvement of photocatalytic ammonia production of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles utilizing microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite

Maasoumeh Khatamian  1 , Mohammad Malekani  2 , Monireh Fazayeli  2 , Azin Yavari  2
Affiliations

Improvement of photocatalytic ammonia production of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles utilizing microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite

Maasoumeh Khatamian et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

The development of decarbonized synthesis approaches is a critical step in the fabrication of ammonia, an indispensable chemical and a potential carbon-neutral energy carrier. In this regard, the photocatalytic production technology has gained ample attention as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental Haber-Bosch process. Here, we present cobalt ferrite nanoparticles supported on microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite as a desirable novel photocatalyst for the ammonia generation. The zeolite introduced as a microporous support increasing the catalytically active sites. A straightforward one-pot sol-gel method was used to synthesize cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and CoFe2O4/ferrisilicate (CF/FS) nanocomposites with various weight percentages (10, 25 and 50%) of CoFe2O4. The photocatalytic performances of the samples in the production of ammonia were investigated under visible light irradiation. The highest rate of NH4+ production (484.74 µmol L-1 h-1) was achieved using the CF50%/FS photocatalyst. The distribution of < 50 nm-sized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles on the surface of the zeolite, as demonstrated by TEM images, and extensive BET surface areas are presented as convincing evidences for the improved photocatalytic activity paticularly in CF50%/FS photocatalyst.

Keywords: Cobalt ferrite; Ferrisilicate zeolite; N2 photoreduction; Nanocomposite; Photocatalytic ammonia production.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
XRD patterns of (a) CoFe2O4, (b) ferrisilicate zeolite, (c) CF10%/FS, (d) CF25%/FS and (e) CF50%/FS.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
FTIR spectra of (a) CoFe2O4, (b) ferrisilicate zeolite, (c) CF10%/FS, (d) CF25%/FS and (e) CF50%/FS.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
FE-SEM images of (a, b) CoFe2O4 and (c, d) ferrisilicate zeolite.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
FE-SEM images of (a–c) CF10%/FS, (d–f) CF25%/FS and (g–i) CF50%/FS.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
EDS spectra of (a) CoFe2O4, (b) ferrisilicate zeolite, (c) CF10%/FS, (d) CF25%/FS and (e) CF50%/FS.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
TEM images of CF50%/FS nanocomposite.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
TGA and DTG curves of the CoFe2O4 before calcination.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
(a) UV–vis absorption spectra and (b) Tauc plots of CoFe2O4 and CF25%/FS.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms of (a) CoFe2O4, (b) CF10%/FS, (c) CF25%/FS and (d) CF50%/FS. The BJH curves for (e) CF10%/FS, (f) CF25%/FS and (g) CF50%/FS.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
M–H curves of the (a) CoFe2O4, (b) CF25%/FS and (c) CF50%/FS.
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
The performances of the synthesized samples in photocatalytic ammonia production.
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Trapping test of ºOH and h+ in photocatalytic reaction using CF50%/FS sample.
Fig. 13
Fig. 13
Recyclability of CF25%/FS and CF50%/FS photocatalysts.
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