Fabrication of a Novel Co/CoO@Fe₂V₄O₁₃ Composite Catalyst as a Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

Abstract

Herein, the synthesis of a novel composite photocatalyst, Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13, is reported by the deposition of CoO metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface of Fe2V4O13 bimetallic oxide. The synthesised photocatalyst exhibited a band gap of roughly 1.8 eV, rendering it responsive to the complete visible light spectrum of the sun, thereby enabling optimal absorption of solar radiation. The Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 composites demonstrated an enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation capacity compared to pristine Fe2V4O13 when exposed to visible light. The enhanced performance is attributed primarily to the creation of a p‐n junction at the interface of Fe2V4O13 and Co/CoO, as well as the Z‐scheme charge transfer mechanism, which aids in the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. Light absorption by Co nanoparticles via plasmonic excitation and intra‐ and inter‐band transitions in the composite structure is also likely, resulting in increased composite efficiency. Our findings indicate that Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 composites show promising performance for solar water splitting applications and offer new perspectives for designing effective photocatalysts.