Enhancement of the photoelectrochemical performance of hematite by modulation of the surface states through the introduction of a ZnMgO functional layer

Shanshan Jiang, Dabo Liu, Dongke Li, Ran Tao, Xiaoxing Fan and Zhenming Chu

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 243, issue C

Abstract: Hematite (Fe2O3) photoanodes have attracted considerable interest for their potential in photoelectrochemical water splitting. However, their performance is often limited by the surface carrier recombination caused by surface states. This study employed a ZnMgO (ZMO) functional layer and NiFe-layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) co-catalyst to regulate the surface states of Fe2O3 photoanodes. The results revealed that ZMO layer can passivate recombination surface states (r-SS), thereby alleviating Fermi level pinning and reducing surface recombination. Meanwhile NiFe-LDH co-catalyst promotes intermediate surface states (i-SS), thereby facilitating charge transfer and enhancing water oxidation. The synergistic interaction between ZMO and NiFe-LDH resulted in a 6.6-fold enhancement in photocurrent density, achieving 3.49 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. This study presents a novel approach to improving PEC performance by regulating surface states, offering valuable insights for the development of advanced photoanodes in renewable energy applications.

Keywords: Hematite; ZnMgO; NiFe-LDH; Surface states; Photoelectrochemical water splitting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:243:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125002009

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122538

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