Electrochemical creation of surface charge transfer channels on photoanodes for efficient solar water splitting

Electrochemical treatment is a popular and efficient method for improving the photoelectrochemical performance of water-splitting photoelectrodes. In our previous study, electrochemical activation Mo-doped BiVO4 electrodes was ascribed to removal MoOx segregations, which are considered be surface recombination centers photoinduced electrons holes. However, this proposed mechanism cannot explain why activated gradually lose their activity when exposed air. based on various characterizations, it suggested that not only removes partial segregations but also initiates formation HyMoOx defects, provide charge transfer channels photogenerated The separation electrode significantly enhanced by these channels. This study offers new insight into photoanodes, concept channels, long overlooked factor, will valuable development other (photo)electrocatalytic systems.