Reducing graphene oxide on a visible-light BiVO₄ photocatalyst for an enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) 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 BiVO₄ under visible illumination. This improvement is attributed to the longer electron lifetime of excited BiVO₄ as the electrons are injected to RGO instantly at the site of generation, leading to a minimized charge recombination. Improved contact between BiVO₄ particles with transparent conducting electrode using RGO scaffold also contributes to this photoresponse enhancement.