BiVO₄ Heterojunctions as Efficient Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has attracted strong interest as sustainable technology by converting solar energy into hydrogen. The semiconductor photoelectrodes play an important role to increase the solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is an excellent candidate as a photoanode material for PEC water oxidation because of its visible light absorption, suitable band edge location, high stability and low cost. However, BiVO4 alone may undergo short carrier diffusion length, rapid recombination of photo-induced charge carriers and photocorrosion. The heterojunction strategy established by combining two or more materials has provided an outstanding technique to address these issues. This Review focuses on recent important works with respect to BiVO4 heterojunction photoanodes for PEC water oxidation reactions, including interface junction and surface functional junction formation. Additionally, challenges faced and prospects for future research on BiVO4 heterojunction photoanodes in the field of solar-to-hydrogen conversion are proposed.