Reducing Graphene Oxide on a Visible-Light BiVO4 Photocatalyst for an Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) is incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using a facile single-step photocatalytic reaction to improve its photoresponse in visible light. Remarkable 10-fold enhancement in photoelectrochemical water splitting reaction is observed on BiVO 4 −RGO composite compared with pure BiVO 4 under visible illumination. This improvement is attributed to the longer electron lifetime of excited BiVO 4 as the electrons are injected to RGO instantly at the site of generation, leading to a minimized charge recombination. Improved contact between BiVO 4 particles with transparent conducting electrode using RGO scaffold also contributes to this photoresponse enhancement.