Near-infrared-driven decomposition of metal precursors yields amorphous electrocatalytic films

Amorphous metal-based films lacking long-range atomic order have found utility in applications ranging from electronics applications to heterogeneous catalysis. Notwithstanding, there is a limited set of fabrication methods available for making amorphous films, particularly in the absence of a condu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science advances 2015-03, Vol.1 (2), p.e1400215-e1400215
Main Authors: Salvatore, Danielle A, Dettelbach, Kevan E, Hudkins, Jesse R, Berlinguette, Curtis P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Physical Sciences
SciAdv r-articles
Surface Chemistry
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Summary:Amorphous metal-based films lacking long-range atomic order have found utility in applications ranging from electronics applications to heterogeneous catalysis. Notwithstanding, there is a limited set of fabrication methods available for making amorphous films, particularly in the absence of a conducting substrate. We introduce herein a scalable preparative method for accessing oxidized and reduced phases of amorphous films that involves the efficient decomposition of molecular precursors, including simple metal salts, by exposure to near-infrared (NIR) radiation. The NIR-driven decomposition process provides sufficient localized heating to trigger the liberation of the ligand from solution-deposited precursors on substrates, but insufficient thermal energy to form crystalline phases. This method provides access to state-of-the-art electrocatalyst films, as demonstrated herein for the electrolysis of water, and extends the scope of usable substrates to include nonconducting and temperature-sensitive platforms.
ISSN:2375-2548
2375-2548
DOI:10.1126/sciadv.1400215