Preparation of Z-scheme Heterostructure Ti-doped ZnFe2O4/Bi2WO6 Film Photoanode for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Abstract

The Ti-doped ZnFe₂O₄/Bi₂WO₆ composite photoanode is successfully synthesized. The surface work function of ZnFe₂O₄ is modified by Ti⁴⁺ doping, leading to the formation of a Z-scheme Ti-ZnFe₂O₄/Bi₂WO₆ heterostructure. In the Z-scheme heterostructure, photogenerated carriers are not only able to be effectively separated, but the high oxidation capacity of Bi₂WO₆ and the high reduction capacity of Ti-doped ZnFe₂O₄ are retained. The direction of the spatial electric field on the Bi₂WO₆ surface aligns with the interface electric field, which enhances the photogenerated carrier separation of the photoanode. As a result, the Z-scheme Ti-ZnFe₂O₄/Bi₂WO₆ photoanode exhibits superior PEC water oxidation performance.