Enhanced Charge Carrier Separation in WO3/BiVO4Photoanodes Achieved via Light Absorption in the BiVO4Layer

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting converts solar light and water into oxygen and energy-rich hydrogen. WO3/BiVO4heterojunction photoanodes perform much better than the separate oxide components, though internal charge recombination undermines their PEC performance when both oxides absorb light. Here we exploit the BiVO4layer to sensitize WO3to visible light and shield it from direct photoexcitation to overcome this efficiency loss. PEC experiments and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy performed by frontside (through BiVO4) or backside (through WO3) irradiating photoanodes with different BiVO4layer thickness demonstrate that irradiation through BiVO4is beneficial for charge separation. Optimized electrodes irradiated through BiVO4show 40% higher photocurrent density compared to backside irradiation.