We developed a self-assembled nanocomposite photoanode composed of epitaxial BiVO4 (BVO) matrix embedded with WO3 (WO) mesocrystal for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting in the visible-light regime. The well-defined WO3-BiVO4 interface and controllable thickness provide a template for the fundamental understanding of photoactivity in the nanocomposite. The interfacial coupling of the mesocrystal and matrix improves the separation of photoexcited carriers and the properties of charge transfer, resulting in a significantly enhanced PEC performance. The utilization of the interface-to-volume ratio to optimize the charge interaction of the nanocomposite is essential for the advance design of novel mesocrystal-embedded nanocomposite photoelectrodes.
- Chien Nguyen Van
- Thi Hien Do
- Ying-Hao Chu
