Co-sputtered Mo:BiVO4 thin film-based transparent photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical activity for see-through energy systems

Abstract

Recently, the photovoltaic (PV) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell has engrossed cumulative attention for clean and low-cost sustainable energy. Here, we propose transparent PV (TPV) and PEC (TPEC) based on sputtered BiVO4 semiconducting thin films to unite electric power and hydrogen generation for see-through energy systems. The TPV and TPEC devices performed better under white light illumination when doped with Mo, and showed average visible transmittance of ∼60%. Such enhancements are due to the Mo doping in BiVO4, which offers better optoelectronic properties suitable to TPV and TPEC devices than BiVO4 thin films. Mo:BiVO4-based TPV-TPEC device shows a high open circuit voltage of 0.43 V with a fill factor value of 33.8% and a short-circuit current density of 0.415 mA/cm2, attributed to the enhanced absorption for blue wavelength photons, indicating stable and safe onsite power production. The structural, optical, and electrical performances of BiVO4 films were studied and compared with its Mo:BiVO4. These co-sputtered Mo:BiVO4-based TPV and TPEC devices can further enhance the robust power-generating systems for see-through onsite energy production.