A large size BiVO4 photoanode with high stability for efficient water oxidation and wastewater treatment coupled with H2 evolution

Abstract

Simultaneously achieving photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation and degradation of organic pollutants coupled with H₂ generation for bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) is highly desirable, while it is still hampered by low charge transport ability along with poor chemical durability. Herein, we have developed a NiFeO_x co-catalyst decorated N-incorporated BiVO₄ photoanode (N-BiVO₄/NiFeO_x), which not only can facilitate the charge transport efficiency but also efficiently suppresses the photo-corrosion. More specifically, the Fe sites trap photo-generated holes for promoting PEC processes and the Ni sites provide electrons to V sites for inhibiting V⁵⁺ dissolution of BiVO₄. As a result, the large size N-BiVO₄/NiFeO_x photoanode with outstanding chemical stability exhibits efficient water oxidation and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation coupled with H₂ production performance. This work offers a promising avenue to design a high-performance photoanode and a new insight into antibiotic wastewater treatment.