Activating the surface and bulk of hematite photoanodes to improve solar water splitting.

ABSTRACT: A simple electrochemical activation treatment is proposed to improve effectively the photoelectrochemical performance of Nb,Sn co-doped hematite nanorods. The activation process involves an initial thrice cathodic scanning (reduction) and a subsequent thrice anodic scanning (oxidation), which modifies both the surface and bulk properties of the Nb,Sn:Fe₂O₃ photoanode. First, it selectively removes the surface components to different extents endowing the hematite surface with fewer defects and richer Nb-O and Sn-O bonds and thus passivates the surface trap states. The surface passivation effect also enhances the photoelectrochemical stability of the photoanode. Finally, more Fe²⁺ ions or oxygen vacancies are generated in the bulk of hematite to enhance its c

SUBMITTER: Zhang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6988740 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature