Facile fabrication of an efficient BiVO4 thin film electrode for water splitting under visible light irradiation

Jia, Q; Iwashina, K; Kudo, A

HERO ID

1536449

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22699499

HERO ID 1536449
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Facile fabrication of an efficient BiVO4 thin film electrode for water splitting under visible light irradiation
Authors Jia, Q; Iwashina, K; Kudo, A
Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume 109
Issue 29
Page Numbers 11564-11569
Abstract An efficient BiVO(4) thin film electrode for overall water splitting was prepared by dipping an F-doped SnO(2) (FTO) substrate electrode in an aqueous nitric acid solution of Bi(NO(3))(3) and NH(4)VO(3), and subsequently calcining it. X-ray diffraction of the BiVO(4) thin film revealed that a photocatalytically active phase of scheelite-monoclinic BiVO(4) was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the surface of an FTO substrate was uniformly coated with the BiVO(4) film with 300-400 nm of the thickness. The BiVO(4) thin film electrode gave an excellent anodic photocurrent with 73% of an IPCE at 420 nm at 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Modification with CoO on the BiVO(4) electrode improved the photoelectrochemical property. A photoelectrochemical cell consisting of the BiVO(4) thin film electrode with and without CoO, and a Pt counter electrode was constructed for water splitting under visible light irradiation and simulated sunlight irradiation. Photocurrent due to water splitting to form H(2) and O(2) was confirmed with applying an external bias smaller than 1.23 V that is a theoretical voltage for electrolysis of water. Water splitting without applying external bias under visible light irradiation was demonstrated using a SrTiO(3)Rh photocathode and the BiVO(4) photoanode.
Doi 10.1073/pnas.1204623109
Pmid 22699499
Wosid WOS:000306837100023
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword hydrogen production; solar energy conversion; visible light response