Lithographically defined synthesis of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides for electrochemical hydrogen generation

Grant funding 2023-2025

The goal of this project is the TMD catalytic performance enhancement achieved by increasing the amount of reactive edge sites with precise lithographic engineering of their structure for efficient electrochemical hydrogen generation. Lithographic nanofabrication patterning steps will be performed at NU brand-new nanofabrication facility.

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) possess unique and tunable physical properties, showing great promise as a catalyst for hydrogen generation. Here we propose to further improve the catalytic performance of TMDs by engineering their structure to increase the amount of reactive edge sites. Two approaches will be explored: edge enrichment and intrinsic conductivity enhancement. We will use the lateral conversion technique, which enables the lithographically precisely patterned TMDs with pre-defined thickness, capped with a thin dielectric layer. We will use nanoscale lithographic patterning to increase the density of catalytically active sites, while using TMD-metal lateral heterostructures will improve the electrical conductivity.

Result 1. The synthesis of WO3 and TMDs with pre-defined size and thickness. Result 2. TMD-metal using lateral conversion approach. The resultant TMD “islands” will be nanoscale patterned at lithographically defined positions, with controlled density, and capped with a dielectric layer. Result 3. Demonstration of hydrogen generation using laterally converted TMD structures. Result 4. Research results dissemination (publications, patents, etc.).