Abstract:
Based on earlier results on the photocatalytic properties of MoS2, the 1T form of MoSe2, prepared by lithium intercalation and exfoliation of bulk MoSe2, has been employed for the visible-light induced generation of hydrogen. 1T-MoSe2 is found to be superior to both 2H and 1T MoS2 as well as 2H-MoSe2 in producing hydrogen from water, the yield being in the 60-75 mmolh-1 g-1 range with a turn over frequency of 15-19 h(-1.) First principles calculations reveal that 1T-MoSe2 has a lower work function than 2H-MoSe2 as well as 1T and 2H-MoS2, making it easier to transfer an electron from 1T-MoSe2 for the production of H2. (C) 2014 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.