Wrapping BiVO4 with chlorophyll for greatly improved photoelectrochemical performance and stability

Dull surface oxygen evolution reaction (OER) dynamics seriously hinders the application of BiVO4 (BVO) photoanodes in photoelectron-chemical (PEC) water splitting. In this study, we built an inorganic/organic hybrid photo-anode to improve PEC performance BVO by covering a multifunctional film. The film contains modified chlorophyll (Chl) organic compounds and Co Si ions with gradient distribution. present at interface between Chl promote transport photogenerated holes, on photoanode enhance hydrophilicity cells. This not only reduces OER barrier promotes carrier transfer but also inhibits loss vanadium increases stability photoanode. Finally, exhibits photocurrent density 5.1 mA cm?2 1.23 VRHE (RHE: reversible hydrogen electrode), onset potential moves 350 mV negatively 0.5 mol L?1 Na2SO4. article provides general simple solution catalytic ability photoanodes.