Abstract
The photoresponse of bare TiO 2 and TiO 2 /WO 3 hybrid electrodes was studied in a photoelectrochemical cell with VO 2+ in 3 M sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. Linear sweep voltammetry study on both electrodes under AM1.5 illumination revealed a significant photoresponse enhancement compared to photolysis of water. This is attributed to the hole scavenging process initiated by quick redox reaction and depressed charge recombination at semiconductor/liquid interface. The photocurrent was boosted remarkably by factors of 57 and 78 on the bare TiO 2 and TiO 2 /WO 3 hybrid electrode, respectively, when the VO 2+ concentration increases from 0 to 1 M. This finding might render this approach a very promising way of solar energy conversion and storage. Photocharge/discharge process was also discovered on the WO 3 surface under different energy level of irradiation, leading to a deteriorated photocurrent. ► Vanadium redox species was ultilized to inhibit electron-hole recombination to enhance photocatalysis. ► Photocharge/discharge process compromises/rejuvenates photocatalysis of hybrid electrode respectively. ► The mechanism of photocharge/discharge of hybrid electrode was proposed.
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