Abstract
Hematite (Fe2O3) is commonly utilized in the fabrication of photoelectrochemical cells for water-splitting reaction. However, its relatively low efficiency has highlighted the necessity for enhancements in Fe2O3-based photoanodes. In addressing this issue, this study implemented the addition of ZnFe2O4. The pure Fe2O3 was synthesized onto a Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide coated glass by the hydrothermal process, followed by the synthesis of various ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 heterostructures using electrochemical deposition techniques. The thin film’s composition, surface morphology, and chemical species of the products were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, respectively. The performance of the Fe2O3-based photoanode was compared to that of various ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 photoanodes through photoelectrochemical studies. Results indicated that a 50 s electrochemical deposition of ZnFe2O4 on Fe2O3 yielded the highest photoconversion efficiency. Additionally, Density Functional Theory was employed to investigate the electron energy level of ZnFe2O4, revealing alignment with the properties of Fe2O3. Theoretical analysis showed that the Fermi energy of ZnFe2O4 exceeded that of Fe2O3, suggesting a preferable direction for electron transfer from ZnFe2O4 to Fe2O3 which was in consistent to the Mott-Schottky analysis. The performance of the overall ZnFe2O4/Fe2O3 heterostructure photoanodes demonstrated greater efficiency compared to pristine Fe2O3.
Published Version
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