@article {Salvatoree1400215, title = {Near-infrared{\textendash}driven decomposition of metal precursors yields amorphous electrocatalytic films}, journal = {Science Advances}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, year = {2015}, publisher = {American Association for the Advancement of Science}, 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.}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.1400215}, url = {http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/1/2/e1400215}, author = {Salvatore, Danielle A. and Dettelbach, Kevan E. and Hudkins, Jesse R. and Berlinguette, Curtis P.} }