Using a Mn-incorporated FeOOH co-catalyst for improved water oxidation activity for BiVO₄ photoelectrodes

Abstract The commercial development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices for the conversion of solar power into sustainable fuels is contingent upon the development of efficacious photoelectrodes. However, sluggish surface water oxidation kinetics of BiVO 4 constrained the overall PEC water splitting efficiencies. Herein, we reported a Mn-incorporated FeOOH co-catalyst loaded BiVO 4 photoelectrode (Mn:FeOOH/BiVO 4 ). The combination of Mn and FeOOH on BiVO 4 can boost the carrier transfer efficiency. And it can also promote the interfacial reaction kinetics. A preeminent current density of 3.88 mA·cm −2 at 1.23 V RHE was recorded on Mn:FeOOH/BiVO 4 composite photoanode. A η surface of 81.9% and a η bulk of 77.3% are reached at 1.23 V RHE . This work can be an inspiration for the reasonable design of highly efficient photoelectrodes for the feasible harvesting of solar power.