Improved photoelectrocatalytic performances over electrochemically reduced WO3: implications of oxygen vacancies

lattice raises the Fermi level closer to the energy level of oxygen vacancies. The raised Fermi level achieves the substantial electron trap effect of the oxygen vacancies and further bends upward the band at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, both of which play dominant roles in the effective interfacial transfer and separation of the photogenerated charges for enhanced PEC performances.