Single Crystals of α-MoO < inf > 3 < /inf > -Intercalated {Ni(H < inf > 2 < /inf > O) < inf > 6 < /inf > } < sup > 2+ < /sup > and Electrocatalytic Water Reduction: Toward a Class of Molybdenum Bronzes

Abstract

We have successfully intercalated {NiII(H2O)6}2+into the α-MoO3layer, leading to the isolation of green single crystals of [MoVI2O6(CH3COO){NiII(H2O)6}0.5]·H2O (1). The homogeneous electrochemistry of 1 in its aqueous solution exhibits electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with concomitant electrochemical deposition of [HMo3VIMoVO12(CH3COO){NiII(H2O)5(OH)}] (2). Compound 2, a new molybdenum bronze, acts as an efficient and stable heterogeneous electrocatalyst for water reduction to molecular hydrogen. This work represents the first paradigm of a molybdenum bronze intercalating a transition metal-aqua ion.