Synthesis of MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co)/BiVO4 film for photolectrochemical hydrogen production activity

The leaf-like structure BiVO 4 electrode and MFe 2 O 4 /BiVO 4 (M   =   Ni, Co) composite photoelectrodes were prepared by electrochemical deposition, ensuing heating treatment and electrophoretic deposition technology. The characterizations of SEM, XRD and DRS indicated that the BiVO 4 derivatives mainly existed in small nanoparticles with monoclinic phase and exhibited stronger light absorption capability than that of pure BiVO 4 . Hereon, the respective photoelectrochemical (PEC) activities of BiVO 4 and its derived composites were systematically studied. The results suggested that the NiFe 2 O 4 /BiVO 4 and CoFe 2 O 4 /BiVO 4 not only showed higher photocurrent response values at 1.23   V vs. NHE than pure BiVO 4 electrode under visible light illumination, but also played a superior PEC hydrogen evolution performance, which was considered owing to their strong absorption to light, reduction combination of carriers and effective separation of electrons and holes.