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.