Analysis of the interfacial characteristics of BiVO₄/metal oxide heterostructures and its implication on their junction properties

Abstract

Through in situ photoelectron spectroscopy, the interface properties of BiVO4/NiO, BiVO4/CoOx and BiVO4/ITO were investigated.

Tuning Light‐Driven Water Oxidation Efficiency of Molybdenum‐Doped BiVO4 by Means of Multicomposite Catalysts Containing Nickel, Iron, and Chromium Oxides

“…In case of the on‐top modification with the catalyst water splitting is rather decreased, which is most likely due to shielding the surface of the electrode and decreased light absorption. This explanation was also suggested in literature for similar results . The presence of the additional material on the surface of the semiconductor will to some degree block the access of light to the photoabsorber, which will lead to the decrease in photocurrents.…”

“…This explanation was also suggested in literature for similar results. [16,33] The presence of the additional material on the surface of the semiconductor will to some degree block the access of light to the photoabsorber, which will lead to the decrease in photocurrents. Additionally, hole transfer to the on-top adsorbed catalyst is not facilitated promoting charge recombination at recombination sites.…”

“…Nevertheless, BiVO 4 exhibits a limited photocatalytic activity because of its poor charge transfer properties and slow water oxidation kinetics . Various approaches to improve the water splitting efficiency of BiVO 4 have been tested, including morphology control, doping, construction of composite structures, improved charge separation, and combination with oxygen evolution catalysts . Due to the fact that the oxygen evolution reaction is the rate‐limiting step in solar‐driven water splitting the most promising way to enhance the properties of such devices is seen in the deposition of oxygen evolution catalysts (OECs) on the surface of the photoanode material.…”

“…[8,9] Various approaches to improve the water splitting efficiency of BiVO 4 have been tested, including morphology control, [10] doping, [11,12] construction of composite structures, [13] improved charge separation, [14] and combination with oxygen evolution catalysts. [9,15,16] Due to the fact that the oxygen evolution reaction is the rate-limiting step in solar-driven water splitting [17] the most promising way to enhance the properties of such devices is seen in the deposition of oxygen evolution catalysts (OECs) on the surface of the photoanode material. The state-ofthe-art photoanode design comprises of a semiconductor light absorber in combination with a co-catalyst that enhances (photo)electrocatalysis, hole transport, elimination of recombination sites, and corrosion protection.…”

Pinning of the Fermi Level in CuFeO2 by Polaron Formation Limiting the Photovoltage for Photochemical Water Splitting

“…If poor catalytic activity would be limiting the PEC water splitting efficiency of CuFeO 2 , an appropriate solution would be the creation of a heterostructure, by attaching a water reduction cocatalyst onto CuFeO 2 . Besides enhanced kinetics, a heterostructure may also improve charge carrier separation and surface passivation . For water reduction, platinum has been recognized as an efficient cocatalyst .…”