Reducing Graphene Oxide on a Visible-Light BiVO₄ Photocatalyst for an Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using a facile single-step photocatalytic reaction to improve its photoresponse in visible light. Remarkable 10-fold enhancement in photoelectrochemical water splitting reaction is observed on BiVO4−RGO composite compared with pure BiVO4 under visible illumination. This improvement is attributed to the longer electron lifetime of excited BiVO4 as the electrons are injected to RGO instantly at the site of generation, leading to a minimized charge recombination. Improved contact between BiVO4 particles with transparent conducting electrode using RGO scaffold also contributes to this photoresponse enhancement.