Nonmetal P-doped hematite photoanode with enhanced electron mobility and high water oxidation activity

Nonmetal P-doped hematite photoanodes synthesized by a simple impregnation method during the hydrothermal preparation showed remarkable photocurrent densities of 2.3 mA cm(-2) and 2.7 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V-RHE, for electrodes annealed at 650 degrees C and 750 degrees C, respectively. After Co-Pi cocatalyst modification, a photocurrent density of over 3 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V-RHE could be achieved. The high activity can be attributed to enhanced electron mobility, as verified by DFT + U calculations, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and structural characterizations.