BiVO4/Rh–Ci/HCO3− hetero-/homogeneous dual co-catalyst-decorated photoanode system for photoelectrochemical water oxidation.

[Display omitted] • Rh–C i /HCO 3 − hetero-/homogenous dual co-catalysts were introduced on the BiVO 4 surface. • Rh–C i /HCO 3 − dual co-catalyst system improved the water oxidation activity of BiVO 4. • This system enhances the charge injection efficiency and stabilizes the photoelectrochemical water oxidation kinetics. • BiVO 4 decorated with Rh–C i /HCO 3 − exhibited a higher photocurrent than bare BiVO 4. Bismuth vanadate is one of the most efficient photoanode materials for solar water-splitting. However, its performance is limited by two main factors: poor charge separation and slow water oxidation kinetics. Herein, Rh–C i /HCO 3 − hetero-/homogenous dual co-catalysts were introduced on the BiVO 4 surface to improve the water oxidation performance. This Rh–C i /HCO 3 − dual co-catalyst system improved the water oxidation activity of BiVO 4 by enhancing the charge injection efficiency and stabilizing the photoelectrochemical water oxidation kinetics. BiVO 4 decorated with Rh–C i /HCO 3 − exhibited a higher photocurrent (2.011 mA∙cm−2) at 1.23 V RHE than bare BiVO 4 (1.217 mA∙cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]