Dual internal electric field induced by Ni3C selectively deposited onto Mn2O3 on faceted BiVO4 for boosting photocatalytic oxygen evolution

The oxidation reaction between charge and water for photocatalyst has restricted overall water splitting efficiency. Herein, the non-noble-metal Ni3C acting as an electron sink were selectively deposited onto Mn2O3 on faceted BiVO4 via electrostatic self-assembly, synergistically creating faceted heterostructure with dual internal electric field (IEF) for photocatalytic water oxidation. Resultantly, a remarkable visible light-driven photocatalytic O-2 evolution rate was observed to be 2736.5 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) with an apparent quantum yield of 5.57 % at 400 nm. The significantly improved activity mainly stemmed from the giant dual IEF, dramatically accelerating exciton separation and prolonging the lifetime of charge carriers. Moreover, the photocatalysts without activity attenuation were considerably stable and reused with recyclability utilizing the magnetic nature in practical application. By combining with the self-induced IEF by exposed {001} facet of BiVO4 for improving photocatalytic activity, this work could throw light on the design of faceted heterostructure in solar energy conversion application.