As the global energy landscape currently dominated by fossil fuels is causing environmental and energy issues, there is an urgent need to shift to renewable energy sources. The production of Hydrogen gas a source of energy from water is by far the cleanest renewable energy source. Transition metal oxides are effective catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Small metal oxide clusters are used as a model to understand the catalytically active sites in bulk. Zinc Oxide thin films and nanorods are also widely used in solar cells. Understanding what changes occur in properties upon varying a single atom and seeing how clusters grow geometrically adds to the knowledge of building cluster-assembled materials. In our study, we use anion photoelectron spectroscopy along with DFT calculations as a means of understanding the electronic structure of the anionic and neutral species of the Zinc Oxide clusters (Zn<sub>x</sub>O<sub>x</sub>).

Mapping out the electronic structure of zinc oxides

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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