AgFeS2‐Nanowire‐Modified BiVO4 Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting. Issue 10 (6th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Xiuzhen; Sciacca, Beniamino; Garnett, Erik C.; Zhang, Liwu
• Is Part Of: ChemPlusChem. Volume 81:Issue 10(2016)
• Page Start: 1075
• Page End: 1082
• Publication Date: 2016-10-06
• Subjects: composite materials -- extended light absorption -- photoelectrochemistry -- sensitizers -- water splitting; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201600095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2192-6506

Abstract

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising and environmentally friendly route for the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen. However, the efficiency of this energy conversion process is low because of the limited light absorption and rapid bulk recombination of charge carriers. In this study, the combination of a novel ternary sensitizer AgFeS2, having a narrow bandgap of 0.9 eV, with a BiVO4 electrode is presented for the enhancement of the solar‐energy‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency. The photoelectrochemical properties of this combined material were investigated and the photocurrent densities of AgFeS2 –BiVO4 composite electrodes were greatly enhanced compared with pristine BiVO4 (15 times higher at 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl under AM 1.5G illumination). The enhanced photoelectrochemical properties arise from extended light absorption, fast charge transfer and appropriate energy gap alignment. It was demonstrated that AgFeS2 nanowires are promising inorganic sensitizers for improving the efficiency of solar water splitting. Abstract : The sensitive approach : A novel ternary sensitizer AgFeS2 was used to optimize BiVO4 for photoelectrochemical water splitting to enhance the efficiency of solar‐energy‐to‐hydrogen conversion. The AgFeS2 –BiVO4 composite electrode displayed extended light absorption, improved charge separation and collection efficiency and is therefore a promising material for use in solar water splitting (see figure).