Catalytically Active MoS2 and C3N4 Layered Materials for Artificial Photosynthesis

OVERVIEW The ultimate goal of this project is to introduce select type and amount of electronic point defects in layered catalytic materials to engineer their catalytic efficiency while providing fundamental insights into catalytic activity at 2D surfaces. This project aims to synthesize 2D materials that exhibit catalytic activity and can be used as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the process of water electrolysis. The materials to be developed include electronically doped Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2), and Carbon Nitride (C3N4). These materials were selected based on their potential in catalysis. [1,3] The materials will be synthesized and their properties will be characterized using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Electrochemical tests will be performed as well to determine the HER and ORR efficiency.