Publication: Synergistic effects of ThO2 on g-C3N4/BiVO4 heterojunctions for enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting
Date
2024
Authors
Mohamed N.A.
Ismail A.F.
Kiong T.S.
Mat Teridi M.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
In this study, we unveil a groundbreaking approach, incorporating dopants and engineering heterojunctions, to craft an exceptional g-C3N4/ThO2@BiVO4 photoanode through a two-step process of methanolic dispersion spin-coating followed by electrodeposition (ED) method. The PEC cells utilizing the g-C3N4/ThO2@BiVO4 heterojunction photoanode outperform both the g-C3N4/BiVO4 and standalone BiVO4, with the g-C3N4/ThO2@BiVO4 achieving a notably enhanced photocurrent density of 0.45 mA cm?2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. This signifies a substantial improvement over the photocurrent densities of 0.32 mA cm?2 and 0.21 mA cm?2 attained by the g-C3N4/BiVO4 and BiVO4 photoanodes, respectively. Exhibiting a distinctive dual-nanostructure morphology, the deposited g-C3N4/ThO2@BiVO4 photoelectrode constructs a 'spongy' and 'needle-like' nanoflower architecture, ultimately converging into a densely packed agglomerate. The incorporation of Oxygen and about 5.8% Th4+- doping not only induces noteworthy photostability but also amplifies charge transfer efficiency while concurrently mitigating charge recombination within the g-C3N4/ThO2@BiVO4 photoanode, achieved through the creation of defects, as elucidated in XPS and Raman analyses. Our in-depth exploration highlights the exceptional performance and photostability of the g-C3N4/ThO2@BiVO4 photoanode, establishing it as an auspicious candidate for applications in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. ? 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC