1671
Turnip-Inspired BiVO4/CuSCN Heterojunction Photoanode for Highly Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Tuesday, 15 May 2018: 11:40
Room 606 (Washington State Convention Center)
T. G. Vo, J. M. Chiu, Y. Tai, and C. Y. Chiang (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology)
Inspired by the functions and structures of the root and stalk of a turnip, a novel BiVO4/CuSCN heterojunction was constructed for photoelectrochemical water splitting, by initially fabricating bulky BiVO4 film (the root) and subsequently depositing p-type CuSCN nanorods (the stalk) on top. This BiVO4/CuSCN photoanode produced an enhanced photocurrent density of 1.78 mAcm-2 and hole injection efficiency of 82% at the potential 1.23 V vs. RHE. About 45% increase in photocurrent density coupled with a dramatic cathodic shift (~220 mV) in onset potential compared with bare BiVO4. The heterojunction also possesses external quantum efficiency of approximately 33% in the range from 350-450 nm with fairly high solar energy conversion efficiency (0.5%). The unique electrode architecture design favors the facile water splitting process over conventionally fabricated electrode by providing the more active sites and facilitates transportation and consumption of photoinduced holes, open a new route for the high-efficiency photoanodes.