Structural and Electronic Study of an Amorphous MoS3 Hydrogen-Generation Catalyst on a Quantum-Controlled Photosensitizer

摘要

The design and synthesis of catalysts, especially for the production of solar fuels, is a major challenge in developing sources of renewable energy. Catalyst development requires an understanding of the mechanism(s) involved and the nature of the active site. While platinum group metals have unrivalled activity for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution, they are scarce and expensive. Photocatalytic systems relying on earth-abundant materials are therefore desirable for large scale energy production. Herein, we examine the structure and electronic properties of an amorphous molybdenum sulfide species and its possible use for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.