Alkaline modified bismuth vanadate coupled with reduced graphene oxide as efficient photoelectrochemical catalysts for water oxidation

Tsai Mu Cheng, Yi Ru Wang, Yu Hsuan Chiu, Ren Jei Chung, Chutima Kongvarhodom, Muhammad Saukani, Sibidou Yougbaré, Hung Ming Chen, Lu Yin Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) with its appropriately positioned band structures is recognized as an efficient photocatalyst for water oxidation. Enhancing the number of active sites and electrical conductivity is crucial, as these factors can significantly improve charge diffusion lengths and reduce charge recombination rates. In this study, a novel approach is presented by incorporating Ultraphene™, a commercial reduced graphene oxide, into alkaline-etched BiVO4 photoanodes using a hydrothermal process. This innovative method aims to create advanced photocatalysts for water oxidation. Although the BiVO4 treated with alkaline etching and Ultraphene™ (U-BVO-E) exhibits reduced light absorbance, it compensates by generating more defects that serve as hole sinks and establish efficient charge transfer pathways. Notably, the U-BVO-E photoanode achieves a maximum photocurrent density of 5.89 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (VRHE) in an electrolyte without a hole scavenger, a significant improvement compared to the untreated BiVO4 electrode, which only records a photocurrent density of 0.70 mA/cm2. Additionally, the U-BVO-E electrode retains 82% of the photocurrent after 6000 s of continuous illumination. These findings strongly demonstrate the effectiveness of alkaline etching and Ultraphene™ incorporation in significantly enhancing the photoelectrochemical catalytic performance of BiVO4.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1226-1234
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Volume98
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 13 2025

Keywords

  • Alkaline
  • BiVO
  • Etching
  • Hydrothermal
  • Reduced graphene oxide
  • Water oxidation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Fuel Technology
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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