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Ultrasmall MoO x Clusters as a Novel Cocatalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Author(s) -
Zhang Huabin,
Zhang Peng,
Qiu Mei,
Dong Juncai,
Zhang Yongfan,
Lou Xiong Wen David
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201804883
Subject(s) - materials science , photocatalysis , semiconductor , water splitting , nanotechnology , nanowire , molybdenum , oxygen evolution , hydrogen , chemical physics , catalysis , optoelectronics , chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , electrode , metallurgy , electrochemistry
To enhance the performance of semiconductor photocatalysts, cocatalysts are used to accelerate surface reactions. Herein, ultrasmall molybdenum–oxygen (MoO x ) clusters are developed as a novel non‐noble cocatalyst, which significantly promotes the photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate of CdS nanowires (NWs). As indicated by extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis, direct bonds are formed between CdS NWs and MoO x clusters, which guarantee the migration of photo‐generated charge carriers. Moreover, the MoO x clusters induce deep electron trap states owing to the unique atomic arrangement and configuration with the generation of long‐lived electrons to enhance the activity. These findings may guide the design of efficient cocatalytic materials for solar water splitting and open a new avenue toward practical applications of ultrasmall clusters.