An efficient and stable heterojunction photoanode for solar water oxidation was fabricated by hybridization of WO and conducting polymers (CPs). Organic/inorganic hybrid photoanodes were readily prepared by the electropolymerization of various CPs and the codeposition of tetraruthenium polyoxometalate (RuPOM) water-oxidation catalysts (WOCs) on the surface of WO. The deposition of CPs, especially polypyrrole (PPy) doped with RuPOM (PPy:RuPOM), resulted in a remarkably improved photoelectrochemical performance by the formation of a WO/PPy p-n heterojunction and the incorporation of efficient RuPOM WOCs. In addition, there was also a significant improvement in the photostability of the WO-based photoanode after the deposition of the PPy:RuPOM layer due to the suppression of the formation of hydrogen peroxide, which was responsible for corrosion. This study provides insight into the design and fabrication of novel photosynthetic and photocatalytic systems with excellent performance and stability through the hybridization of organic and inorganic materials.
Electrochemistry can play a critical role in the transition to a more sustainable society by enabling the carbon-neutral production and use of various chemicals as well as efficient use of...
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