PhD Student
Tél. : +33 1 69 08 69 16
E-mail :
PhD Topic : Development of innovative molybdenum carbide/(oxy)nitride for hydrogen production
The low-emission (“green”) production of dihydrogen (H₂) offers a promising solution to the current energy crisis. Photocatalytic water splitting, which is used to produce dihydrogen and oxygen through water electrolysis, requires efficient electrocatalysts to drive both the H₂ and O₂ evolution reactions. Currently, noble metal-based nanomaterials, primarily platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), and iridium (Ir), are considered the most effective catalysts. However, these materials present significant challenges due to their scarcity, high cost, and susceptibility to degradation during electrochemical processes. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop alternative electrocatalysts that are cost-effective, efficient, and durable.
In this context, molybdenum (Mo)-based electrocatalysts have emerged as a highly promising solution and are gaining increasing attention in the energy sector. Our group has already demonstrated the feasibility of synthesizing Mo carbide/carbon nanocomposites in large quantities using water as a solvent and a safe, low-cost Mo oxide precursor with good catalytic activity.
Building on this work, the objective of this project is to develop new Mo-based doped materials to further enhance their electrochemical performance. Specifically, we aim to synthesize doped molybdenum carbide or (oxy)nitrides nanocomposites, directly integrated with graphitic carbon (GC), using a single-step laser pyrolysis process. The resulting materials, denoted as MoMX/GC (where M = Ni, Co, Cu, or Fe and X = C or N), will be produced using only aqueous solvents and commercially available, low-toxicity molybdenum precursors to ensure cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.
The synthesized compounds will be thoroughly characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR/Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, photocatalytic mechanisms will be investigated by monitoring dihydrogen production