Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Using Cobalt Phosphate‐Modified Nitrogen‐Doped Titania Nanotube Arrays

Abstract

The synthesis of cobalt phosphate (CoPi)‐modified, nitrogen‐doped TiO2 nanotube arrays (N‐TNAs) for photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxygen evolution under visible light is reported. Because of the nitrogen doping, the N‐TNAs exhibit enhanced visible‐light activity toward the PEC water oxidation reaction. However, the performance is diminished as a result of self‐oxidation by photogenerated holes in the valence band of the N‐TNAs. Compared with the N‐TNAs, the CoPi/N‐TNAs prepared under optimal conditions show a twofold improvement in photocurrent generation and are also sensitive to light with wavelengths as long as 580 nm. Stable oxygen evolution with a Faradaic efficiency approaching unity is demonstrated using the CoPi/N‐TNA photoanodes under simulated sunlight for at least 2 h of operation.

Keywords

• artificial photosynthesis
• hydrogen production
• mixed-anion compounds
• solar fuels
• water splitting