Cracked spindle morphology of MIL-101(Fe) for improved photocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Morphology regulation is a simple way to improve photocatalytic activity. In this work, a MIL-101(Fe) photocatalyst with cracked spindle morphology has been successfully prepared by EG pre-coordination solvothermal method . The cracking degree of MIL-101(Fe) can be regulated by adjusting pre-coordination time. The MIL-101(Fe) with the optimal uniform crack displays a best NH 3 evolution rate of 592 ​μmol ​h −1  ​g −1 under the visible light irradiation . Cracked MIL-101(Fe) is similar to a semi-exposed model, which can increase the number of reactive sites, improve refraction and reflection of light, and ultimately enhance the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation activity. This work developed a convenient strategy to improve the photocatalytic activity of nitrogen reduction by controlling morphology.