A review of co-catalyst modified BiVO4-based electrodes for efficient solar water splitting

Abstract

BiVO₄ has been widely investigated in water splitting due to its narrow band gap with visible-light response and favorable band edge position for hydrogen reduction as well as oxygen evolution. In order to optimize the photoelectrochemical water splitting performance of BiVO₄, multi-strategies including morphology regulation, doping treatment, compound fabrication and co-catalyst modification have been adopted. Based on the different co-catalysts such as FeOOH, NiOOH, NiFe-based co-catalysts, and Co-based co-catalysts used to modify BiVO₄-based electrodes, the growth method, morphology and photoelectrochemical activity of BiVO₄-based electrodes are clearly elaborated. Moreover, the roles of different co-catalysts on BiVO₄-based photoelectrodes in solar water splitting are discussed. The future research perspectives of BiVO₄-based photoelectrodes are outlined for pursuing advanced photoelectrodes applied in water splitting. Hence, this review is suggested to provide inspiration for designing BiVO₄-based photoelectrodes with low-cost production and high efficiency.