Molybdenum disulfide exhibits physical properties that suggest it may be an effective cathode for the pyridinium catalyzed reduction of CO2. With a 1.75eV direct bandgap, MoS2 is well matched to the earth-bound solar spectrum. In addition, recombination sites caused by defects are nearly absent on the highly coordinatively saturated Van der Waals surfaces. In this work, MoS2 electrodes were fabricated from a naturally occurring Molybdenite mineral, which has been determined to be p-type. Two types of electrode surface were made; one entirely composed of basal plane, while the other had the edge planes partially exposed. The catalytic effect of pyridinium for CO2 reduction was investigated on both types of MoS2 electrodes by comparing current-voltage plots obtained in different electrolytes. Ethanol as a reduction product was detected in the liquid phase after bulk electrolysis using an electrode possessing a fraction of edge plane. Faradaic yields approached 30%.

Photoelectrochemical reduction of CO<sub>2</sub> catalyzed by pyridinium on p-type MoS<sub>2</sub> electrode

244th National Meeting (2012)

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

Photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2 catalyzed by pyridinium on p-type MoS2 electrode

Photoelectrochemical reduction of CO₂ catalyzed by pyridinium on p-type MoS₂ electrode