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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Innovative multifunctional hybrid photoelectrode design based on a ternary heterojunction with super-enhanced efficiency for artificial photosynthesis

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Author(s):
dos Santos, Wayler S. [1] ; Carmo, Eder J. [1] ; Mendez-Gonzalez, Yanela [2] ; Nascimento, Lucas L. [3] ; Patrocinio, Antonio O. T. [3] ; Guo, Ruyan [4] ; Bhalla, Amar S. [4] ; M'peko, Jean-Claude [5] ; Guerra, Jose D. S. [1]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Phys, Grp Ferroelect & Multifunct Mat, BR-38408100 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Havana, Phys Fac, IMRE, Havana 10400 - Cuba
[3] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Chem, Lab Photochem & Mat Sci, BR-38408100 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[4] Univ Texas San Antonio, Coll Engn, Dept Elect & Comp Engn, Multifunct Elect Mat & Devices Res Lab, San Antonio, TX 78249 - USA
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Inst Phys, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 10, n. 1 JUN 30 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Electrochemical cells for direct conversion of solar energy to electricity (or hydrogen) are one of the most sustainable solutions to meet the increasing worldwide energy demands. In this report, a novel and highly-efficient ternary heterojunction-structured Bi4O7/Bi-3.33(VO4)(2)O-2/Bi46V8O89 photoelectrode is presented. It is demonstrated that the combination of an inversion layer, induced by holes (or electrons) at the interface of the semiconducting Bi-3.33(VO4)(2)O-2 and Bi46V8O89 components, and the rectifying contact between the Bi4O7 and Bi-3.33(VO4)(2)O-2 phases acting afterward as a conventional p-n junction, creates an adjustable virtual p-n-p or n-p-n junction due to self-polarization in the ion-conducting Bi46V8O89 constituent. This design approach led to anodic and cathodic photocurrent densities of+38.41 mA cm(-2) (+0.76 V-RHE) and-2.48 mA cm(-2) (0 V-RHE), respectively. Accordingly, first, this heterojunction can be used either as photoanode or as photocathode with great performance for artificial photosynthesis, noting, second, that the anodic response reveals exceptionally high: more than 300% superior to excellent values previously reported in the literature. (AU)