Improved Oxygen Evolution Kinetics and Surface States Passivation of Ni-Bi Co-Catalyst for a Hematite Photoanode

This paper describes the combinational surface kinetics enhancement and surface states passivation of nickel-borate (Ni-B-i) co-catalyst for a hematite (Fe2O3) photoanode. The Ni-B-i-modified Fe2O3 photoanode exhibits a cathodic onset potential shift of 230 mV and a 2.3-fold enhancement of the photocurrent at 1.23 V, versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The borate (B-i) in the Ni-B-i film promotes the release of protons for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). (C) 2017 THE AUTHORS. Published by Elsevier LTD on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Higher Education Press Limited Company.