Synthesis of Cu2O-BiVO4 catalysts used as high-performance photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Abstract

Herein, Cu₂O and BiVO₄ were synthesized using different methods. The structure, morphology, light absorption ability of synthesized materials were examined by XRD, SEM, DRS UV-Vis, PL and photoelectrochemical performance. was determined by LSV and EIS methods. BiVO₄ synthesized by the electrodeposition exhibits lower crystallinity and smaller particle sizes, leading to higher photocurrent density (0.55 mA·cm^-2 at 1.23 V versus RHE). The combination of Cu₂O and BiVO₄ improves charge transfer ability and photocatalytic performance, with a current density of 1.23 mA·cm^-2 at 1.23 V vs RHE, demonstrating the material's potential as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical water splitting.