Issue 4, 2014

WO3–α-Fe2O3 composite photoelectrodes with low onset potential for solar water oxidation

Abstract

The physical and photoelectrochemical properties of a composite oxide photoelectrode comprised of α-Fe2O3 and WO3 crystals is investigated. The composite films exhibit a water oxidation photocurrent onset potential as low as 0.43 V vs. RHE, a value considerably lower than that of pure α-Fe2O3 photoanodes prepared in comparable synthesis conditions. This result represents one of the lowest onset potentials measured for hematite-based PEC water oxidation systems. Compositional analysis by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy indicates the composition of the films differs between the surfaces and bulk, with tungsten found to be concentrated in the surface region. Post-reaction Raman spectroscopy characterization demonstrates that water interacts with surface WO3 crystals, an event that is associated with the formation of a hydrated form of the oxide.

Graphical abstract: WO3–α-Fe2O3 composite photoelectrodes with low onset potential for solar water oxidation

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
05 Aug 2013
Accepted
11 Nov 2013
First published
21 Nov 2013

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014,16, 1327-1332

WO3–α-Fe2O3 composite photoelectrodes with low onset potential for solar water oxidation

P. Zhao, C. X. Kronawitter, X. Yang, J. Fu and B. E. Koel, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014, 16, 1327 DOI: 10.1039/C3CP53324G

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