Fabrication of a Novel Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 Composite Catalyst as a Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

Fabrication of a Novel Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 Composite Catalyst as a Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

Schematic showing the probable charge transfer mechanism in a p-n junction consisting of p-type CoO and n-type Fe2V4O13. The depletion region is formed at the interface due to the diffusion of charge


Abstract

Herein, the synthesis of a novel composite photocatalyst, Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13, is reported by the deposition of CoO metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface of Fe2V4O13 bimetallic oxide. The synthesised photocatalyst exhibited a band gap of roughly 1.8 eV, rendering it responsive to the complete visible light spectrum of the sun, thereby enabling optimal absorption of solar radiation. The Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 composites demonstrated an enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation capacity compared to pristine Fe2V4O13 when exposed to visible light. The enhanced performance is attributed primarily to the creation of a p-n junction at the interface of Fe2V4O13 and Co/CoO, as well as the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism, which aids in the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. Light absorption by Co nanoparticles via plasmonic excitation and intra- and inter-band transitions in the composite structure is also likely, resulting in increased composite efficiency. Our findings indicate that Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 composites show promising performance for solar water splitting applications and offer new perspectives for designing effective photocatalysts.