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 (NiOx NPs) as co-catalysts on the surface of W:BiVO4 NFs. The outstanding water oxidation performance of the NiOx 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 NiOx NPs (for efficient charge pathway suppression of charge recombination).