A photo-responsive electrocatalyst: CdSe quantum dot sensitized WS2 nanosheets for hydrogen evolution in neutral solution

Yueyao Zhong, Bin Chang, Yongliang Shao, Yongzhong Wu*, Xiaopeng Hao

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    8 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Combining photochemical and electrochemical energy conversion into a single catalytic system is an efficient method for energy generation. In this paper, to increase the electrocatalytic activity of 2H-WS2 nanosheets, CdSe quantum dots (QDs) are introduced as sensitizers to design a novel photo-responsive electrode. The electrocatalytic HER activity of the nanocomposites is observably enhanced under 300 W Xe lamp irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm, the overpotential decreases from -1030 mV vs. RHE to -400 mV vs. RHE at a cathodic current density of 10 mA cm-2 in neutral electrolyte without adding any sacrificial agent, and the Tafel slope decreases from 132 mV dec-1 to 56 mV dec-1). Moreover, the photo-enhanced electrocatalyst demonstrates high stability, which is reflected by a steady-state performance for more than 24 h. This strategy may have potential use in designing and fabricating novel photo-assisted electrocatalysts.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)18021-18027
    Number of pages7
    JournalNew Journal of Chemistry
    Volume42
    Issue number22
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2018

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Catalysis
    • General Chemistry
    • Materials Chemistry

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