Improving photoelectrochemical performance of BVO-based photoanode by tuning material properties of $BiVO_4$

Abstract

The development of new energy beyond the dependence of fossil fuels is one of major challenges. Among the alternatives, hydrogen is attracting much attention as an energy storage and carrier. Photoelectrochemical water splitting is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of hydrogen production. Bismuth vanadate($BiVO_4$) is one of the promising photocatalyst and various strategies for developing photoelectrode based on this material are presented. In this thesis, we discuss the relationship between the change in material properties of $BiVO_4$ and the performance of devices that from heterojunction with $SnO_2$. Moreover, the changes of photoelectrochemcial performance depending on the stoichiometry of $BiVO_4$, concentration of oxygen vacancy and direction of $BiVO_4$ crystal are included.