An iron oxide -copper bismuth oxide photoelectrochemical cell for spontaneous water splitting. (20th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Du, Chun; Yang, Jie; Yang, Jinhui; Zhao, Yunkun; Chen, Rong; Shan, Bin
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 43:Number 51(2018)
• Page Start: 22807
• Page End: 22814
• Publication Date: 2018-12-20
• Subjects: Hematite photoanode -- In-situ doping -- Surface modification -- CuBi2O4 photocathode -- Photoelectrochemical water splitting; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.10.170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Highly efficient water splitting reaction on hematite photoelectrode has been encumbered by its low photovoltage and photocurrent in a water splitting cell. In this work, a nanostructured hematite photoanode was prepared via a hydrothermal method, and its water oxidation activity was greatly enhanced by the synergetic application of uniform in-situ cobalt-doping and surface modification with fine cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles electrocatalyst. As a result, its remarkable low onset potential of 0.55 VRHE for water oxidation allows the construction of tandem cell with a novel metal oxide photocathode CuBi2 O4, which has already proven reasonably robust photoactivity for water reduction reaction. The photocurrent and long-term stability of this metal oxides based device in alkaline electrolyte for unassisted overall water splitting reaction were investigated. A solar to hydrogen efficiency of 0.15% was measured accordingly on this spontaneous hydrogen production device, without the involvement of precious metal components. Highlights: An onset potential of 0.55 VRHE was measured on modified hematite photoanode. Co doping and surface modification decrease the charge transfer resistances at interface. Integrated device shows a water splitting efficiency of 0.15% without external bias.