Electrocatalytic reactions offer alternative routes for the conversion and storage of energy. For instance, the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide could lead to energy-rich syngas, methanol or even hydrocarbons. Layered transition metal dichalcogenide nanomaterials, such as MoS2, have emerged as electrocatalysts towards CO2 reduction with high efficiency and low overpotentials. However, the key chemical and electronic states defining activity have not yet been completely defined. These key states were probed for both metals and ligands in selected MX2 (M=Nb, Mo, Ta, W; X=S, Se) using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Ex situ measurements were employed to identify trends in chemical bonding between compositions, and the effect of exposure to electrocatalytic conditions on both the surface and bulk of the materials. A spectroelectrochemical cell was designed for operando measurements to pinpoint the active electronic and chemical states. Given the vast compositional space, this knowledge will serve to pave the way to the design of metal and chalcogenide combinations with the greatest electrocatalytic performance.

Spectroscopic investigation of chemical and electronic states in layered MX2 chalcogenides for electrocatalytic applications

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.