Curing BiVO4 Photoanodes with Ultraviolet Light Enhances Photoelectrocatalysis

• DOI: 10.1002/ange.201509567
• Publication Date: 2015-12-21T14:26:56Z
• Authors: Tengfei Li; Jingfu He; Bruno Peña; Curtis P. Berling...
• Keywords: Photocurrent; Ultraviolet; Surface Photovoltage

Abstract Exposure of BiVO 4 photoanodes to ultraviolet (UV) radiation for extended time periods (e.g., 20 h) produces a morphological change and concomitant improvement in photo‐electrocatalytic (PEC) efficiency driving water splitting directly by sunlight. The ∼230 mV cathodic shift onset potential doubling the photocurrent at 1.23 V vs. RHE after UV curing are comparable effects engendered presence secondary catalyst layer. PEC measurements absorption spectra indicate that corresponds suppression charge recombination greater photovoltage generation caused flat‐band potential, not an electrocatalytic activity or light absorption. Spectroscopic surface analysis suggests defect sites, which eliminated curing, differences observed recombination.