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Title: Dimeric [Mo₂S₁₂]²⁻ Cluster: A Molecular Analogue of MoS₂ Edges for Superior Hydrogen-Evolution Electrocatalysis

Journal Article · · Angewandte Chemie (International Edition)

Proton reduction is one of the most fundamental and important reactions in nature. MoS2 edges have been identified as the active sites for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysis. Designing molecular mimics of MoS2 edge sites is an attractive strategy to understand the underlying catalytic mechanism of different edge sites and improve their activities. Herein we report a dimeric molecular analogue [Mo₂S₁₂]²⁻, as the smallest unit possessing both the terminal and bridging disulfide ligands. Our electrochemical tests show that [Mo₂S₁₂]²⁻ is a superior heterogeneous HER catalyst under acidic conditions. Computations suggest that the bridging disulfide ligand of [Mo₂S₁₂]²⁻ exhibits a hydrogen adsorption free energy near zero (-0.05eV). This work helps shed light on the rational design of HER catalysts and biomimetics of hydrogen-evolving enzymes.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science - Office of Basic Energy Sciences - Materials Sciences and Engineering Division; USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - Office of Vehicle Technology
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1246369
Journal Information:
Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), Vol. 54, Issue 50; ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher:
Wiley
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English