Bio-template assisted hierarchical ZnO superstructures coupled with graphene quantum dots for enhanced water oxidation kinetics

A highly enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of BiVO4 photoanodes modified with CoPi groups by increasing energy band bending, accelerating hole separation and improving water oxidation kinetics

“…They must meet the requirements for application, such as a proper energy band structure, high visible light absorption, good chemical stability, low toxicity and low cost. 3 Based on the above requirements, several photoanode materials such as ZnO, 4–6 TiO 2 , 7 WO 3 , 8 Fe 2 O 3 , 9,10 and BiVO 4 (ref. 11–13) have become research hotspots.…”

3D-ZnO Superstructure Decorated with Carbon-Based Material for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting under Visible-Light Irradiation

“…GQDs have been attracting substantial attention as one of the derivatives of CQDs due to their good crystallinity, strong electric conductivity, and rich functional group compared to the other carbon-based material [30]. They have been used by Alam et al to sensitize their bio-template-assisted hierarchical ZnO superstructures for enhancing the water oxidation kinetics process [79]. The surface area of ZnO superstructures increases from 32 m 2 /g to 45 m 2 /g after modification, resulting in a 77% increase in photocurrent response.…”

Zinc oxide/graphene nanocomposite as efficient photoelectrode in dye‐sensitized solar cells: Recent advances and future outlook

“…The zeroth dimensional GQDs have zero defects with a large surface area that will act as passivating states over the photoanode surface. 111,112 In addition, the QDs structure has the capability of functionalization on the edge of GQDs and high thermal stability for efficient DSSCs. 66 Moreover, several studies had further boosted the photoelectric properties, and PCE of GQDs sensitized photoanodes via sulfur and nitrogen through the codoping approach 113,114 The restacking of graphene and agglomeration of ZnO/graphene composite are common issues during the fabrication process, reducing the available active sites and indirectly restricting the diffusion of reactants between layers.…”

“…The surface defect of graphene can be significantly reduced via quantum dots sensitization. The zeroth dimensional GQDs have zero defects with a large surface area that will act as passivating states over the photoanode surface 111,112 . In addition, the QDs structure has the capability of functionalization on the edge of GQDs and high thermal stability for efficient DSSCs 66 .…”