title: Near-infrared-driven decomposition of metal precursors yields amorphous electrocatalytic films.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z3, Canada.
authors.forename: Danielle A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Salvatore
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H1Z1, Canada.
authors.forename: Kevan E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Dettelbach
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z3, Canada.
authors.forename: Jesse R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hudkins
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z3, Canada. ; Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H1Z1, Canada.
authors.forename: Curtis P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Berlinguette
keywords: electrocatalysis; solar fuels