Yttrium-Induced Regulation of Electron Density in NiFe Layered Double Hydroxides Yields Stable Solar Water Splitting

Abstract

In situ catalyst regeneration of NiFe-based oxygen evolution catalyst (OEC) has been recognized as one of the best approaches for photocorrosion inhibition on water splitting photoelectrodes. However, it generally suffers from laborious multistep procedures to obtain a controllable film. Herein, we use an electron density modulation to synthesize a stable NiFeY layered double hydroxide (LDH) OEC and then deposit this OEC on BiVO4 as photoanodes. The incorporation of Y modifies the chemical environment of Ni and reduces the bandgap of NiFe LDH, enhancing the electrocatalytic/photoelectrochemical performance. Importantly, Y insertion in NiFe LDH remarkably reduces the surface recombination of the BiVO4/cocatalyst system, thereby establishing a much high stability to the photocatalyst than in conventional NiFe OEC/BiVO4 approaches.

Pt‐Induced Defects Curing on BiVO4 Photoanodes for Near‐Threshold Charge Separation

“…[ 10–15 ] To cope with these issues, deposition cocatalyst can efficiently improve the surface charge carrier transport on BiVO 4 . [ 16–21 ] The cocatalyst layer should be uniform and thin enough to fast transfer holes through cocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction. However, the cocatalyst layer would principally subject to the structure reconstruction and be collapsed or dissolved in the electrolyte, which cannot fully suppress the charge recombination at the uncovered surface areas.…”

Bridging electrocatalyst and cocatalyst studies for solar hydrogen production via water splitting

“…5e). [127][128][129] These methods enable the formation of multi-metallic oxide CC layer on relatively unstable semiconductors like Ta 3 N 5 (Table 3). 130 An effective technique to homogeneously coat a CC layer on PEs is an electrodeposition.…”

“…5e). 127–129 These methods enable the formation of multi-metallic oxide CC layer on relatively unstable semiconductors like Ta 3 N 5 (Table 3). 130…”

Constructing Ni3C/2D g‐C3N4 Photocatalyst and the Internal Catalytic Mechanism Study

“…[13] However, the further practical application of photocatalysis technique is still a long way to go, limited by their initial properties like weak optical responsiveness or bad stability. [9,14,15] Among the challenges in photocatalytic development, the preparation of photocatalysts with wide spectral response, good stability, and high activity is the most urgent issue in this field. [16][17][18] Graphite carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) as a metal-free graphene structure polymer has been proven to be chemically stable, thermally stable, of low cost, and easily synthesizable.…”

“…[4][5][6][7] Photocatalytic technologies have attracted wide attention for their mild reaction conditions, low consumption of energy, and no secondary pollution. [8][9][10] As is known, the key challenge for the application of photocatalytic technology is the development of highly efficient photocatalysts. [11,12] Recently, some metal oxides and metal sulfides materials have been studied and used for pollutant degrading and water splitting, like TiO 2 , ZnO, CdS, etc.…”