Solution-based synthesis of wafer-scale epitaxial BiVO thin films exhibiting high structural and optoelectronic quality.

We demonstrate a facile approach to solution-based synthesis of wafer-scale epitaxial bismuth vanadate (BiVO) thin films by spin-coating on yttria-stabilized zirconia. Epitaxial growth proceeds solid-state transformation of initially formed polycrystalline films, driven by interface energy minimization. The (010)-oriented BiVO films are smooth and compact, possessing remarkably high structural quality across complete 2'' wafers.