Enhancing photoelectrochemical performance of the Bi2MoO6 photoanode by ferroelectric polarization regulation

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical water splitting provides a promising strategy for converting solar energy into chemical fuels and has attracted extensive interest. Herein, Bi₂MoO₆ nanopillars with large surface areas were fabricated on an ITO-coated glass substrate and their photoelectrochemical properties are enhanced through appropriate manipulation of ferroelectric polarization. The Bi₂MoO₆ photoanode with polarization orientation toward ITO shows an enhanced photocurrent density of 250 μA cm⁻² at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, which is 28% higher than that of pristine Bi₂MoO₆ nanopillars without macroscopic polarization. The corresponding depolarization electric field benefits the separation of light-excited electron–hole pairs, thus minimizing the recombination of charge carriers and further enhancing the photocurrent current density. Our work offers a new strategy of Bi₂MoO₆-based photoelectrochemical devices with great potential of application in the conversion of solar energy into chemical fuels.