Enhanced solar-driven water splitting performance using oxygen vacancy rich ZnO photoanodes

A comprehensive review of oxygen vacancy modified photocatalysts: synthesis, characterization, and applications

“…In the field of semiconductor photocatalytic technology, the process of photocatalysis involves three distinct steps: (1) generation of photoexcited charges – where photons are absorbed by the semiconductor material leading to the creation of electron–hole pairs; (2) separation and transportation of charges – wherein photoexcited electron–hole pairs undergo segregation within the bulk phase of the catalyst and migrate towards the surface of the photocatalysts; and (3) occurrence of surface reactions – involving redox reactions between electrons and holes taking place on the surface of the photocatalysts. Metal oxide semiconductors, such as TiO 2 , 2–13 ZnO, 14–28 WO 3 , 29–32 BiOX, 33–35 In 2 O 3 , 36–41 SnO 2 , 42–47 and CuO 48–53 have been extensively investigated as photocatalysts due to their exceptional stability under light irradiation. However, their photocatalytic performance remains limited by inadequate absorption of visible light, the propensity of carriers to recombine during migration, and high-energy barriers for reactant capture and activation.…”

Nanostructured BiVO4 Photoanodes Fabricated by Vanadium-Infused Interaction for Efficient Solar Water Splitting

“…This PEC process heavily relies on suitable semiconductor photoanodes that can facilitate efficient light absorption and fast charge transport at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface (SEI). Metal oxide semiconductors such as ZnO, WO 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , and BiVO 4 are promising candidates for practical PEC water oxidation owing to their facile preparation, low fabrication cost and photo-oxidative capability. , Among these oxides, monoclinic BiVO 4 stands out due to its narrow bandgap of 2.4 eV and a favorable valence band edge position for oxygen evolution. These characteristics enable efficient water oxidation with a recently reported solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 9.2%. − …”

Photovoltaic-enhanced water splitting properties of low-temperature-synthesized BiVO4 photoanode films

“…13 Unfortunately, the light absorption range of wide band-gap semiconductors is limited, severely hindering their application in visible light. [14][15][16] Thus, the investigation of narrow band-gap semiconductors for the photochemical splitting of water bears significant research merit.…”