Incorporation of Mo and W into nanostructured BiVO4 films for efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation

Author: Berglund, S.P.; Rettie, A.J.E.; Hoang, S.; Mullins, C.B.

Description: Porous, nanostructured BiVO4 films are incorporated with Mo and W by simultaneous evaporation of Bi, V, Mo, and W in vacuum followed by oxidation in air. Synthesis parameters such as the Bi : V : Mo : W atomic ratio and deposition angle are adjusted to optimize the films for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. Films synthesized with a Bi : V : Mo : W atomic ratio of 46 : 46 : 6 : 2 (6% Mo, 2% W) demonstrate the best PEC performance with photocurrent densities 10 times higher than for pure BiVO4 and greater than previously reported for Mo and W containing BiVO4. The films consist of a directional, nanocolumnar layer beneath an irregular surface structure. Backside illumination utilizes light scattering off the irregular surface structure resulting in 30-45% higher photocurrent densities than for frontside illumination. To improve the kinetics for water oxidation Pt is photo-deposited onto the surface of the 6% Mo, 2% W BiVO4 films as an electrocatalyst. These films achieve quantum efficiencies of 37% at 1.1 V vs. RHE and 50% at 1.6 V vs. RHE for 450 nm light.

Subject headings: BiV04; Simultaneous evaporation

Publication year: 2012

Journal or book title: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP

Volume: 14

Issue: 19

Pages: 7065-7075

Find the full text : https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2012/cp/c2cp40807d

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 1433