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Atomic Layer Deposition of Bismuth Vanadates for Solar Energy Materials

Morgan Stefik

ChemSusChem. 2016 Jul 7;9(13):1727-35.

PMID: 27246652

Abstract:

The fabrication of porous nanocomposites is key to the advancement of energy conversion and storage devices that interface with electrolytes. Bismuth vanadate, BiVO4 , is a promising oxide for solar water splitting where the controlled fabrication of BiVO4 layers within porous, conducting scaffolds has remained a challenge. Here, the atomic layer deposition of bismuth vanadates is reported from BiPh3 , vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide, and water. The resulting films have tunable stoichiometry and may be crystallized to form the photoactive scheelite structure of BiVO4 . A selective etching process was used with vanadium-rich depositions to enable the synthesis of phase-pure BiVO4 after spinodal decomposition. BiVO4 thin films were measured for photoelectrochemical performance under AM 1.5 illumination. The average photocurrents were 1.17 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode using a hole-scavenging sulfite electrolyte. The capability to deposit conformal bismuth vanadates will enable a new generation of nanocomposite architectures for solar water splitting.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number Product Name Structure CAS Number Price
AP5588841 Vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide Vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide 5588-84-1 Price
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