Stabilizing BiVO Photoanode in Bicarbonate Electrolyte for Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Alcohol Oxidation.

In order to expand the application of bismuth vanadate (BiVO) to the field of photoelectrochemistry, researchers have explored the potential of BiVO in catalyzing or degrading organic substances, potentially presenting a green and eco-friendly solution. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of electrolytes on the photocatalysis of benzyl alcohol by BiVO. The research discovered that, in an acetonitrile electrolyte (pH 9) with sodium bicarbonate, BiVO catalyzed benzyl alcohol by introducing saturated V. This innovation addressed the issue of benzyl alcohol being susceptible to catalysis in an alkaline setting, as V was prone to dissolution in pH 9 on BiVO. The concern of the photocorrosion of BiVO was mitigated through two approaches. Firstly, the incorporation of a non-aqueous medium inhibited the formation of active material intermediates, reducing the susceptibility of the electrode surface to photocorrosion. Secondly, the presence of saturated V further deterred the leaching of V. Concurrently, the production of carbonate radicals by bicarbonate played a vital role in catalyzing benzyl alcohol. The results show that, in this system, BiVO has the potential to oxidize benzyl alcohol by photocatalysis.