High performance nanoporous silicon photoelectrodes co-catalyzed with an earth abundant [Mo3S13]2− nanocluster via drop coating

Abstract

Here we report a high performance nanoporous silicon photoelectrode deposited with earth abundant [Mo₃S₁₃]²⁻ nanoclusters for hydrogen generation. The earth abundant [Mo₃S₁₃]²⁻ nanoclusters with controllable loading can be facilely deposited onto nanoporous Si via drop coating of the monodispersed [Mo₃S₁₃]²⁻ suspension followed by drying. The nanoporous Si photoelectrode exhibited a ∼200 mV lower onset potential for photocurrent by reducing the interface resistance for hydrogen generation. The deposition of [Mo₃S₁₃]²⁻ also passivates the nanoporous Si with a more stable photocurrent for hydrogen generation than b-Si in a 20 000 s test.