Synergistic effect of atom doping and heterojunction: Promoted photoelectrochemical water splitting performance of Zr-CoF2/BiVO4

Zr-doped BiVO4 photoanodes modified with CoF2 co-catalyst (Zr-CoF2/BiVO4) were designed and synthesized by a simple two-step hydrothermal and calcination method. The photocurrent density of the prepared Zr-CoF2/ BiVO4 photoanode is as high as about 3.6 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE (AM 1.5 G). The excellent PEC performance benefits from the cocatalyst loading and the formation of heterojunction. The Zr-CoF2/BiVO4 composite photoanode improves the transfer efficiency of photogenerated carriers and the yield of water splitting. Co2+ site in the CoF2 co-catalyst has excellent water oxidation activity. The metal Zr doping further improves charge separation and conduction, thereby reducing the electron-hole complexation rate to affect PEC performance, enhancing photocurrent as well as oxygen release and providing an effective reference method for exploring solar water decomposition. This scheme provides an effective reference method for exploring solar water decomposition.

Automated summary

Zr-doped BiVO4 photoanodes modified with CoF2 co-catalyst were synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal and calcination method. The photocurrent density of the prepared Zr-CoF2/BiVO4 photoanode reached 3.6 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE (AM 1.5 G). The excellent performance is attributed to the loading of co-catalyst and the formation of heterojunction, which improve carrier transfer efficiency and water splitting yield. The Co2+ site in the CoF2 co-catalyst demonstrates exceptional water oxidation activity, while Zr doping enhances charge separation and conduction, reducing electron-hole recombination rate and enhancing photocurrent and oxygen release. This research provides an effective method for solar water decomposition.