Enhanced solar water splitting of an ideally doped and work function tuned {002} oriented one-dimensional WO3 with nanoscale surface charge mapping insights

Overcoming the limitations and understanding the surface charge characteristics of WO3 is essential for achieving efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Here, we propose an ideal dopant Y to overcome the limitations and engineer WO3 properties and work function with nanoscale surface charge insights for the first time. The doping of Y in WO3 yields, {002} crystal facet oriented 1-D morphology, decrease the bandgap and work function with upward conduction band shift and improves bulk and surface charge transport/transfer properties. The 1.14 at% Y doping shows a record photocurrent of similar to 2.25 and 4.85 mA cm(-2) (with hole scavenger) at 1.23 V vs RHE with the increased faradaic O-2 production efficiency and upward conduction band shift allowing H-2 evolution with >95 % of faradaic efficiency. Importantly, nanoscale surface charge mapping was performed, revealing a decrease in work function and the improved charge dynamic insights leading to the enhanced solar water splitting efficiency.

Automated summary

Doping WO3 with Y can improve its surface charge characteristics, increase photocurrent and oxygen production efficiency, resulting in a more efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting process.