Direct solution-based growth of nanostructured BiVO4 with multi-facets exposure and enhanced light absorption

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) has emerged as a promising photoactive material across various research fields, owing to its high visible-light absorption, optimal band-edge positions, and moderate stability. This study introduces a simple chemical bath deposition (CBD) method for synthesizing distinctive nanostructured BiVO 4 electrodes. By controlling the molarity of the precursor solution, three distinct BiVO 4 morphologies—columnar, rod-like, and leaf-like structures—were successfully synthesized. This morphological control was achieved by modulating the precursor concentration, which influenced the nucleation rate and growth dynamics to form different structures. Growth-time-controlled experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of nucleation and growth kinetics on morphology. These experiments offer critical insights into how precise control over these processes can tailor the structural characteristics of the material. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization revealed that the nanostructured BiVO 4 electrodes exhibited textured and faceted morphologies with a pronounced (121) texture. Furthermore, we analyzed the optical properties, electrochemical active surface area, and surface hydrophilicity of the nanostructured BiVO 4 electrodes, which are crucial factors in determining their performance in energy applications. Notably, the leaf-BiVO 4 exhibits photocurrent densities of 0.30 mA cm −2 at 1.23 V RHE and 0.86 mA cm −2 at 1.6 V RHE under one sun illumination, surpassing those of the rod- and columnar-BiVO 4 . This CBD-based synthesis approach successfully fabricates nanostructured BiVO 4 electrodes with diverse morphologies, advancing knowledge in the development of high-performance electrodes for energy conversion and sensor applications. • Synthesis of novel BiVO 4 nanostructures with distinct morphologies via CBD process. • Precursor concentration controls BiVO 4 morphology and growth kinetics. • Nanostructured BiVO 4 exhibits enhanced surface area and light absorption. • Leaf-like BiVO 4 shows high light-harvesting efficiency and wettability. • This method advances scalable, complex nanostructured electrode fabrication.