Consequences of ligand removal from CdSe quantum dots on photocatalytic H2 production

Abstract

The activity of thiolate-capped CdSe quantum dots as photocatalysts for proton reduction is compared to that of nanocrystals with surface ligands removed by a chemical stripping reagent. Thiolate-capped CdSe produce more H₂, while ligand-stripped nanocrystals show enhanced activity with a cocatalyst. These results highlight the importance of surface structure in the design of photocatalytic systems for proton reduction.