Electrocatalytic activity of InN/InGaN quantum dots

We present a basic, comprehensive study of the electrocatalytic activity of epitaxial InN/InGaN quantum dots (QDs) by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry and capacitance-voltage measurements, using the ferro/ferricyanide redox probe. Key is the direct proof of the dependence of the catalytic activity on the QD structural properties and of the existence and overall tunability of high positive surface charge on the QDs being in origin of the catalytic activity together with the zero-dimensional electronic properties. This fundamental assessment paves the way to fine-tuning the artificial QD structure as efficient catalyst to further boost the performance of biosensors and photoanodes for solar hydrogen generation. Keywords: Quantum dots, InN, InGaN, Catalysis