MoSe₂-Sensitized Water Splitting Assisted by C₆₀-Dendrons on the Basal Surface

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photocatalysis

Background:

• Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) is a promising material for light absorption in photocatalytic applications.
• Efficient water splitting requires effective charge separation and transfer mechanisms.
• Developing stable and dispersible nanohybrids is crucial for practical photocatalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate water-dispersible MoSe2/C60-dendron nanohybrids for enhanced water splitting.
• To investigate the charge separation dynamics in 2D/0D heterojunctions upon photoirradiation.
• To evaluate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) efficiency of the fabricated nanohybrids.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MoSe2/C60-dendron nanohybrids via physical modification of MoSe2 basal plane.
• Creation of mixed-dimension (2D/0D) heterojunctions for charge separation.
• Utilizing a sacrificial donor (1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide) and co-catalyst (Pt-PVP) for HER.

Main Results:

• Photoirradiation of MoSe2/C60 heterojunctions generated a charge-separated state (MoSe2•+/C60•−).
• Electron extraction from MoSe2 excitons to C60 facilitated the charge separation.
• Apparent quantum yields for HER were 0.06% at 800 nm and 0.27% at 700 nm.

Conclusions:

• The developed MoSe2/C60-dendron nanohybrids are effective for water splitting.
• The 2D/0D heterojunction architecture promotes efficient charge separation for photocatalysis.
• These findings offer a pathway for utilizing MoSe2-based materials in sustainable hydrogen production.