A large size BiVO4 photoanode with high stability for efficient water oxidation and wastewater treatment coupled with H2 evolution

Simultaneously achieving photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation and degradation of organic pollutants coupled with H-2 generation for bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is highly desirable, while it is still hampered by low charge transport ability along with poor chemical durability. Herein, we have developed a NiFeOx co-catalyst decorated N-incorporated BiVO4 photoanode (N-BiVO4/NiFeOx), which not only can facilitate the charge transport efficiency but also efficiently suppresses the photo-corrosion. More specifically, the Fe sites trap photo-generated holes for promoting PEC processes and the Ni sites provide electrons to V sites for inhibiting V5+ dissolution of BiVO4. As a result, the large size N-BiVO4/NiFeOx photoanode with outstanding chemical stability exhibits efficient water oxidation and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation coupled with H-2 production performance. This work offers a promising avenue to design a high-performance photoanode and a new insight into antibiotic wastewater treatment.

Automated summary

In this study, a NiFeOx co-catalyst decorated N-incorporated BiVO4 photoanode (N-BiVO4/NiFeOx) was developed, which not only improves charge transport efficiency but also effectively suppresses photo-corrosion, exhibiting excellent chemical stability, efficient water oxidation, tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation, and H2 production performance. This work offers a promising avenue for designing high-performance photoanodes and provides new insights into antibiotic wastewater treatment.