Curing BiVO4 Photoanodes with Ultraviolet Light Enhances Photoelectrocatalysis

Exposure of BiVO4 photoanodes to ultraviolet (UV) radiation for extended time periods (e.g., 20 h) produces a morphological change and concomitant improvement in photo-electrocatalytic (PEC) efficiency for driving water splitting directly by sunlight. The similar to 230 mV cathodic shift in onset potential and doubling of the photocurrent at 1.23 V vs. RHE after UV curing are comparable to the effects engendered by the presence of a secondary catalyst layer. PEC measurements and absorption spectra indicate that the cathodic shift after UV curing corresponds to a suppression of charge recombination and a greater photovoltage generation caused by the shift of the flat-band potential, and not an improvement in electrocatalytic activity or light absorption. Spectroscopic surface analysis suggests that surface defect sites, which are eliminated by UV curing, for the differences in observed charge recombination.