Dual Modification of a BiVO4 Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance

• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201800999
• Publication Date: 2018-06-04T16:21:32Z
• Authors: Lili Gao; Feng Li; Haiguo Hu; Xuefeng Long; Na Xu; Yiping Hu; Shenqi Wei; Chenglong Wang; Jiantai Ma; Jun Jin
• Keywords: Bismuth vanadate; Photocurrent; Photoelectrochemical cell; Photoelectrochemistry

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4 ) has triggered extensive interest in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, owing to its narrow band gap and sufficiently positive valence band. However, some defects still exist block the solar utilization efficiency hydrogen evolution kinetics. Herein, NiMoO4 semiconductor is combined with a BiVO4 photoanode, for first time, excellent PEC performance achieved on basis of heterojunction formation favorable conductivity . In addition, it been demonstrated that promotes light absorption ability, charge separation efficiency, surface charge-transfer comprehensively. To further improve photoconversion cobalt phosphate, as an oxygen reaction cocatalyst, deposited above electrode achieves much enhanced 1.18 %, photocurrent density 5.3 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V versus reversible electrode; this exceeds most results reported date. This rational unique photoanode construction provides new thread photoelectrode designation.