MoSe2-Sensitized Water Splitting Assisted by C60-Dendrons on the Basal Surface.

ABSTRACT

We propose a new class of H2 evolution photocatalyst containing TMD not as a co-catalyst, but as a photosensitizer MoSe2/C60-dendron nanohybrids, assisted by 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) as a sacrificial donor and Pt nanoparticles as co-catalysts. The 2D/0D mixed-dimensional heterojunction formed by MoSe2 and C60 is highly effective in generating mobile carriers under visible and NIR light irradiation.  This process involves electron extraction from the exciton in MoSe2 to C60, followed by electron transfer to Pt nanoparticles via MV2+, leading to H2 production from water.  Even NIR light, such as 800 nm light corresponding to the A-exciton absorption of MoSe2, can facilitate water splitting.  The EQY of the H2 evolution reaction was estimated to be 0.0027%.