In situ integration of a cocatalyst and heterojunction to a WO3 photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance via phosphatization†
Abstract
A novel ternary NiPx/NiWO4/WO3 photoanode with the cooperation effect of a heterojunction and cocatalyst was successfully fabricated by an in situ phosphatization process. The NiWO4 layer forms a heterojunction with WO3 to improve the separation and transfer of electron–hole pairs. NiPx acts as a cocatalyst for accelerating the surface water oxidation reaction. A 2.55-fold improvement in photocurrent density at 1.23 V vs. RHE was achieved compared with the pristine WO3 film.