Abstract
We demonstrate fabrication of films of highly textured bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) pillars via electrostatic spray deposition and test the performance of these films as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical water splitting. The β-Bi2O3 and α-Bi2O3 phases were identified and distinguished using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The β-Bi2O3 pillars of optimized thickness exhibited a photocurrent density of 0.97 mA⋅cm−2 at 0.5 V vs Ag/AgCl. The tetragonal β-Bi2O3 pillars had enhanced visible light absorbance compared to α-Bi2O3 as well as other metal oxides like ZnO and TiO2. Tauc plot analysis of film absorbance showed a decrease in the bandgap of the β-Bi2O3 phase to 2.5 eV. In Na2SO3 electrolyte, a hole scavenger, the onset voltage for the β-Bi2O3 phase was shifted to a more negative value (−0.4 V), which increased photocurrent density. The electron concentration reached its highest value of 9.1 × 1020 cm−3 for the film with the highest photocurrent density.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
