Superior photoelectrochemical activity of self-assembled NiWO4–WO3 heteroepitaxy. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Do, Thi Hien; Nguyen Van, Chien; Tsai, Kai-An; Quynh, Le Thi; Chen, Jhih-Wei; Lin, Yan-Cheng; Chen, Yi-Chun; Chou, Wu-Ching; Wu, Chun-Lin; Hsu, Yung-Jung; Chu, Ying-Hao
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 23(2016:May)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Self-assembled -- Nanocomposites -- Epitaxial nickel tungstate -- Water splitting -- Photoelectrochemical -- Heteroepitaxy; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2016.03.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Self-assembled nanocomposites with a high interface-to-volume ratio offer tremendous opportunities of tailoring functionalities by a proper combination of components. In this study, we report the first fabrication of self-assembled NiWO4 –WO3 heteroepitaxy and its excellent performance on photoelectrochemical water splitting. The heteroepitaxy is evidenced by a combination of x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The energy band diagram of NiWO4 –WO3 heterostructure probed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests an efficient charge separation at their interface by injecting photo-generated electrons from NiWO4 to WO3 and holes from WO3 to NiWO4 . Therefore, a great improvement in the photoelectrochemical activity of self-assembled NiWO4 –WO3 heteroepitaxy was achieved (1400 µA cm −2 at 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl). This work delivers a new category of composite materials for promising photoelectrode in photoelectrochemical cells. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Self-assembled NiWO4 –WO3 heteroepitaxy is successfully fabricated. Efficient charge separation is facilitated at the NiWO4 /WO3 interface. Self-assembled NiWO4 –WO3 shows a remarkable photoelectrochemical activity.