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Three-Dimensional WO<sub>3</sub> Nanoplate/Bi<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> Nanorod Heterojunction as a Highly Efficient Photoanode for Improved Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Yidan WangCollege of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, and ‡Analysis and Testing Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. ChinaWei TianCollege of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, and ‡Analysis and Testing Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. ChinaLiang ChenCollege of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, and ‡Analysis and Testing Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. ChinaFengren CaoCollege of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, and ‡Analysis and Testing Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. ChinaJun GuoCollege of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, and ‡Analysis and Testing Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. ChinaLiang LiCollege of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, and ‡Analysis and Testing Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
2017en
ABI

Abstract

The rational design of semiconductor photoanodes with sufficient light absorption, efficient photogenerated carrier separation, and fast charge transport is crucial for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Incorporating a small-band-gap semiconductor to a large-band-gap material with matched energy band position is a promising route to improve the light harvesting and charge transport. Herein, we report the fabrication of a three-dimensional heterojunction with uniform Bi2S3 nanorods on WO3 nanoplates by hydrothermal process and chemical bath deposition. The seed layer strategy was used to assist the growth of Bi2S3 nanorods for perfect interface contact between WO3 and Bi2S3. The as-prepared WO3/Bi2S3 composite exhibited a much enhanced photocurrent (5.95 mA/cm2 at 0.9 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode), which is 35 and 1.4 times higher than those of pristine WO3 and WO3/Bi2S3 composite without a seed layer, respectively. In addition, higher incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (68.8%) and photoconversion efficiency (1.70%) were achieved. The enhancement mechanism was investigated in detail, and the sufficient light absorption, efficient charge transport, and high carrier density simultaneously contribute to the improved PEC activity. These findings will open up new opportunities to develop other highly efficient heterostructures as photoelectrodes for PEC applications.

Identifiers

DOI
10.1021/acsami.7b11510

Citations and references

Cited by 20 references
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