One-step hydrothermal deposition of F:FeOOH onto BiVO4 photoanode for enhanced water oxidation

While BiVO4 is considered one of the most promising candidates for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation, its further application is hampered by severe surface charge recombination. Herein, F-incorporated FeOOH (F:FeOOH) cocatalyst is used to modify the BiVO4 photoanode via a one-step hydrothermal deposition method. The composite photoanode (F:FeOOH/BiVO4) shows an impressive photocurrent density of 2.7 mA/cm2 (at 1.23 VRHE) and a notable initial potential that is negatively shifted by 150 mV relative to the pure BiVO4 electrode. These excellent PEC performances owe much to the formation of p-n junction between F:FeOOH and BiVO4 in the electrodes.