Hematene: A sustainable 2D conductive platform for visible-light-driven photocatalytic ammonia decomposition

In a recent publication, researchers describe an innovative eco-friendly method for synthesizing 2D hematene (α-Fe2O3), a type of non-van der Waals material with exceptional properties.

LiteScope was used primarily while conducting structural, morphological and electrochemical characterization of the studied material. CPEM images implied a high purity of the prepared sample with regard to the homogenous distribution of individual elements. Such conclusions were also confirmed by the latter techniques.

By utilizing ultrasound-assisted exfoliation in a pure aqueous solution, the researchers successfully produced ultra-thin hematene sheets, demonstrating remarkable electrochemical performance ideal for photocatalytic applications. Significantly, doping the conductive hematene substrate with ruthenium resulted in a synergistic effect under visible light, generating both electrons and holes concurrently. This innovative approach enabled the efficient decomposition of ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen, showcasing the potential of these environmentally-friendly photocatalysts for clean energy production. The water-assisted scalable synthesis of hematene introduces a promising strategy for manufacturing sustainable and efficient photocatalytic materials.

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