Non-stoichiometric MoO3-x quantum dots as a light-harvesting material for interfacial water evaporation

We herein present oxygen-deficient molybdenum oxide quantum dots (MoO3-x QDs), which possess matching-absorption-spectrum to solar light in both visible and near infrared regions, for proof-of-concept of interfacial water evaporation. Theoretical modeling suggests that the unique optical property of MoO3-x QDs results from oxygen defect level, instead of localized surface plasmon resonance.