Elevating the charge separation of MgFeO nanostructures by Zn ions for enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting.

Magnesium ferrites (MgFeO) are important class of ferrites that have been receiving greater attention as promising excellent photocatalyst due to its low cost, wide light spectrum response and environment-friendly nature. However, its poor electronic conductivity and fast charge carrier recombination hinders its electrocatalytical applications. Hence, accelerating charge carriers separation efficiency is important to modify the photoelectrochemical performance of MgFeO. Herein, novel Zn ions doped MgFeO nanospheres are fabricated for the first time. Zn ions are doped into MgFeO nanostructures from surface to enhance their charge separation efficiency. The doped MgFeO nanostructures show significant photocatalytic activity and enhanced photocurrent density than that of pristine MgFeO.The improved photoelectrocatalytic performance is attributed to doping effect, were Zn ions actually enhance the conductivity. Zn ions enhance the activity of MgFeO and accelerate the charge transfer properties in MgFeO. The results highlight that Zn doped MgFeO nanospheres could be a potential candidate for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications.