Synthesis of Ni-based co-catalyst functionalized W:BiVO4 nanofibers for solar water oxidation

Abstract

We report on the synthesis of highly porous, 1-D tungsten-doped BiVO₄ nanofibers (W:BiVO₄ NFs). To facilitate photocatalysis, we introduced nickel nanoparticles (NiO_x NPs) as co-catalysts on the surface of W:BiVO₄ NFs. The outstanding water oxidation performance of the NiO_x NP-functionalized W:BiVO₄ NFs was obtained through (i) the control of polymers/precursors to achieve porous W:BiVO₄ NFs (for highly increased surface area), (ii) the control of the tungsten-doping level (for fast charge transfer), and (iii) the optimization of the loading amounts of NiO_x NPs (for efficient charge pathway suppression of charge recombination).