Surface modification of hematite photoanode by NiFe layered double hydroxide for boosting photoelectrocatalytic water oxidation

Publication date: 5 October 2018 Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 764 Author(s): Yukun Zhu, Xiaoliang Zhao, Junzhi Li, Huawei Zhang, Shuai Chen, Wei Han, Dongjiang Yang The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the most efficient ways for utilizing solar energy for water electrolysis. Nevertheless, up to now, the PEC conversion efficiency of the established photoanode is still low. In this work, α-Fe2O3/NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) photoanodes were synthesized by electrodeposition of LDH on α-Fe2O3. Compared with bare α-Fe2O3, the α-Fe2O3/Ni0.5Fe0.5-LDH photoanode displays about 3 times photocurrent enhancement and excellent long-term stability. The enhanced PEC activity of α-Fe2O3/NiFe-LDH is ascribed to the interface between α-Fe2O3 and NiFe-LDH which can facilitate charge transfer and improve carrier density. Simultaneously, NiFe-LDH as a co-catalyst can accelerate the surface OER kinetics. Graphical abstract

Source: Journal of Alloys and Compounds - June 20, 2018 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research