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

Autor(es)

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]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[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

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 10, n. 1 JUN 30 2020.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 07/54974-5 - Estudos relacionados com fadiga eletrica em materiais ferroeletricos.
• Beneficiário: Jean-Claude Mpeko
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular