Efficient Charge Transfer at a Homogeneously Distributed (NH4)2Mo3S13 / WSe2 Heterojunction for Solar Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

<p></p><p>In the present work we demonstrate a record photocurrent density of 5.6 mA cm<sup>-2</sup> at 0 V<sub>RHE</sub> for WSe<sub>2</sub> photocathodes coated with an effective/earth abundant catalyst - ammonium thiomolybdate (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>Mo<sub>3</sub>S<sub>13</sub> (ATM). The photocurrent density can be tuned by optimizing the WSe<sub>2</sub> film thickness. The features of this new combination (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>Mo<sub>3</sub>S<sub>13</sub> / WSe<sub>2</sub> and its performance for solar hydrogen evolution is discussed in the manuscript. Our new finding is that the ATM can be used as a photocatalyst, not only as an electrocatalyst known up to date. The results further expand and develop the field of the transition metal dichalcogenides especially in the context of the solar hydrogen evolution. This work is an important milestone towards large scale photocathodes using earth abundant elements.</p><p></p>