Efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen production from bismuth vanadate-decorated tungsten trioxide helix nanostructures

Xinjian Shi, Il Yong Choi, Kan Zhang, Jeong Kwon, Dong Yeong Kim, Ja Kyung Lee, Sang Ho Oh, Jong Kyu Kim () and Jong Hyeok Park ()
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Xinjian Shi: School of Chemical Engineering and SKKU Advanced Institute of Nano Technology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University
Il Yong Choi: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Kan Zhang: School of Chemical Engineering and SKKU Advanced Institute of Nano Technology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University
Jeong Kwon: School of Chemical Engineering and SKKU Advanced Institute of Nano Technology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University
Dong Yeong Kim: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Ja Kyung Lee: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Sang Ho Oh: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Jong Kyu Kim: Pohang University of Science and Technology
Jong Hyeok Park: School of Chemical Engineering and SKKU Advanced Institute of Nano Technology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Tungsten trioxide/bismuth vanadate heterojunction is one of the best pairs for solar water splitting, but its photocurrent densities are insufficient. Here we investigate the advantages of using helical nanostructures in photoelectrochemical solar water splitting. A helical tungsten trioxide array is fabricated on a fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate, followed by subsequent coating with bismuth vanadate/catalyst. A maximum photocurrent density of ~5.35±0.15 mA cm−2 is achieved at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, and related hydrogen and oxygen evolution is also observed from this heterojunction. Theoretical simulations and analyses are performed to verify the advantages of this helical structure. The combination of effective light scattering, improved charge separation and transportation, and an enlarged contact surface area with electrolytes due to the use of the bismuth vanadate-decorated tungsten trioxide helical nanostructures leads to the highest reported photocurrent density to date at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, to the best of our knowledge.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5775

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