Dual internal electric field induced by Ni3C selectively deposited onto Mn2O3 on faceted BiVO4 for boosting photocatalytic oxygen evolution

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Environmental, 2025-02, Vol.361, p.124589, Article 124589
• Main Authors: Xu, Xiaoming, Cheng, Yinghui, Zhu, Xianhui, Huang, Jiaying, Zhu, Bowen, Meng, Jingjing, Li, Junshan, Jing, Guolin, Zheng, Lihui, Yang, Shaogui, Sun, Cheng, Li, Hui, Yuan, Ruixia, Zhu, Yongfa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Charge transfer; Dual internal electric field; Faceted BiVO4; Photocatalytic regulation; Water oxidation
• ISSN: 0926-3373
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124589

The oxidation reaction between charge and water for photocatalyst has restricted overall water splitting efficiency. Herein, the non-noble-metal Ni3C acting as an electron sink were selectively deposited onto Mn2O3 on faceted BiVO4 via electrostatic self-assembly, synergistically creating faceted heterostructure with dual internal electric field (IEF) for photocatalytic water oxidation. Resultantly, a remarkable visible light-driven photocatalytic O2 evolution rate was observed to be 2736.5 μmol g−1 h−1 with an apparent quantum yield of 5.57 % at 400 nm. The significantly improved activity mainly stemmed from the giant dual IEF, dramatically accelerating exciton separation and prolonging the lifetime of charge carriers. Moreover, the photocatalysts without activity attenuation were considerably stable and reused with recyclability utilizing the magnetic nature in practical application. By combining with the self-induced IEF by exposed {001} facet of BiVO4 for improving photocatalytic activity, this work could throw light on the design of faceted heterostructure in solar energy conversion application. [Display omitted] •The recyclable Ni3C/Mn2O3/faceted BiVO4 heterostructure is fabricated via electrostatic self-assembly.•Dual internal electric field with facet regulation is beneficial for the carrier transfer and separation.•The Ni3C/Mn2O3/faceted BiVO4 shows an impressive photocatalytic O2 evolution rate of 2736.5 μmol g−1 h−1.•The experimental perspective combined with the micro level clarify improved photocatalytic mechanism.