Synthesis and characterization of 1D BiVO4@doped TiO2 nanorod heterojunctions for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Abstract

The rutile seeding free host-guest BiVO4@Fe-TiO2 1D NRs were synthesized for the testing of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation proficiency. The prepared nanorods were systematically characterized by X ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Raman spectroscopy, UV visible diffuse reflectance spectrometry (UV, DRS) & reflectance emission spectroscopy by using photoluminescence(PL). The study thoroughly shown that TiO2 NRs surface decoration and doping have been performed by successful one-step hydrothermal method with good interfacial interaction, stable heterojunction boundary and resistive charges recombination that directly improve the electron conductivity with current efficiency 3 folds of pristine TiO2. The remarkable activity was attributed to decreased band gap from 3.02eV to 2.1 eV of bilayer heterojunction with type II band alignment which facilitated the separation of charge carriers and profound photocatalysis. The photoelectrochemical activities were evaluated by performing LSV, CA, EIS & Mott Schottky under illumination of visible filtered light of 100mW/cm2. The findings elucidate the homogenous deposition of guest material on modified host TiO2 NRs has enhanced PEC performance with maximum electron agility and enhanced hole reducing window which is in feasibility for hydrogen-fuel based devices as a sustainable energy source.