Synergistic effect of atom doping and heterojunction: Promoted photoelectrochemical water splitting performance of Zr-CoF2/BiVO4

Zr-doped BiVO 4 photoanodes modified with CoF 2 co-catalyst (Zr-CoF 2 /BiVO 4 ) were designed and synthesized by a simple two-step hydrothermal and calcination method. The photocurrent density of the prepared Zr-CoF 2 /BiVO 4 photoanode is as high as about 3.6 mA/cm 2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE (AM 1.5 G). The excellent PEC performance benefits from the cocatalyst loading and the formation of heterojunction . The Zr-CoF 2 /BiVO 4 composite photoanode improves the transfer efficiency of photogenerated carriers and the yield of water splitting. Co 2+ site in the CoF 2 co-catalyst has excellent water oxidation activity. The metal Zr doping further improves charge separation and conduction, thereby reducing the electron-hole complexation rate to affect PEC performance, enhancing photocurrent as well as oxygen release and providing an effective reference method for exploring solar water decomposition. This scheme provides an effective reference method for exploring solar water decomposition.