Self-Assembled BiFeO3-ε-Fe2O3 Vertical Heteroepitaxy for Visible Light Photoelectrochemistry

Le Thi Quynh, Chien Nguyen Van, Yugandhar Bitla, Jhih Wei Chen, Thi Hien Do, Wen Yen Tzeng, Sheng Chieh Liao, Kai An Tsai, Yi Chun Chen, Chun Lin Wu, Chih Huang Lai, Chih Wei Luo, Yung Jung Hsu, Ying Hao Chu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Self-assembled vertical heterostructure with a high interface-to-volume ratio offers tremendous opportunities to realize intriguing properties and advanced modulation of functionalities. Here, a heterostructure composed of two visible-light photocatalysts, BiFeO3 (BFO) and ε-Fe2O3 (ε-FO), is designed to investigate its photoelectrochemical performance. The structural characterization of the BFO-FO heterostructures confirms the phase separation with BFO nanopillars embedded in the ε-FO matrix. The investigation of band structure of the heterojunction suggests the assistance of photoexcited carrier separation, leading to an enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. The insights into the charge separation are further revealed by means of ultrafast dynamics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies. This work shows a delicate design of the self-assembled vertical heteroepitaxy by taking advantage of the intimate contact between two phases that can lead to a tunable charge interaction, providing a new configuration for the optimization of photoelectrochemical cell.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1600686
JournalAdvanced Energy Materials
Volume6
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Sept 21

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • General Materials Science

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