Understanding the Z-scheme heterojunction of BiVO4/PANI for photoelectrochemical nitrogen reduction

Abstract

Based on the idea that a heterojunction can significantly promote photoelectrochemical (PEC) efficiency, BiVO₄/PANI (polyaniline), as a Z-scheme heterojunction, was designed in this work. BiVO₄/PANI achieved a desirable NH₃ yield rate (r_NH3 = 0.93 μg h⁻¹ cm⁻²) and faradaic efficiency (FE = 26.43%). This study presents novel insight into PEC NRR research, and it could be extended to the modification of other catalysts for boosting PEC N₂ reduction reaction performance.