BiPO4 film on ITO substrates for photoelectrocatalytic degradation

• The BiPO4 film was successfully prepared on ITO substrate via dip-coating method.
• The PEC degradation rate of methyl blue increased remarkably under photoelectrocatalysis.
• The influencing factors of PEC degradation (initial pH value, electrolyte) were investigated.

BiPO4 film was fabricated on indium-tin oxide glass substrate via dip-coating method for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity. BiPO4 film has performed a superior PEC degradation ability with synergetic effect of electro-oxidation and photocatalysis. The degradation rate of Methyl Blue (MB) increased greatly as bias potential increased and the highest activity was achieved at the bias potential of 3.0 V (vs. SCE in 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4, pH = 7). The PEC activity of BiPO4 film is 5 times and 15 times higher than that of photocatalytic degradation and electrochemical oxidation, respectively. The acid condition plays an important role in achieving effective photoelectrocatalysis. The PEC degradation rate was also affected by the adsorption and the oxidation reaction of the ions of electrolytes. This BiPO4 film could open up new opportunities to develop high-performance photoanode for PEC degradation.

The BiPO4 film loaded on the ITO substrate was used as electrode during the reaction. The applied bias effectively enhanced the separation of photo-induced electron-hole.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide