Synergistic effect of oxygen vacancies and in-situ formed bismuth metal centers on BiVO4 as an enhanced bifunctional Li–O2 batteries electrocatalyst

Nur Aqlili Riana Che Mohamad, Kyunghee Chae, Heejun Lee, Jeongwon Kim, Filipe Marques Mota, Joonho Bang, Dong Ha Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bismuth Vanadate (BiVO4) is a promising oxide-based photoanode for electrochemical applications, yet its practical use is constrained by poor charge transport properties, particularly under dark conditions. This study introduces a novel BiVO4 variant (Bi-BiVO4-10) that incorporates abundant oxygen vacancies and in-situ formed Bi metal, significantly enhancing its electrical conductivity and catalytic performance. Bi-BiVO4-10 demonstrates superior electrochemical performances compared to conventional BiVO4 (C-BiVO4), demonstrated by its most positive half-wave potential with the highest diffusion-limiting current in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and earliest onset potential in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Notably, Bi-BiVO4-10 is explored for the first time as an electrocatalyst for lithium-oxygen (Li–O2) cells, showing reduced overcharge (610 mV) in the first cycle and extended cycle life (1050 h), outperforming carbon (320 h) and C-BiVO4 (450 h) references. The enhancement is attributed to the synergy of oxygen vacancies, Bi metal formation, increased surface area, and improved electrical conductivity, which collectively facilitate Li2O2 growth, enhance charge transport kinetics, and ensure stable cycling. Theoretical calculations reveal enhanced chemical interactions between intermediate molecules and the defect-rich surfaces of Bi-BiVO4-10, promoting efficient discharge and charge processes in Li–O2 batteries. This research highlights the potential of unconventional BiVO4-based materials as durable electrocatalysts and for broader electrochemical applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)119-129
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume678
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Jan 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024

Keywords

  • Bismuth metal
  • BiVO
  • Electrocatalyst
  • Lithium-oxygen batteries
  • Metal oxide
  • OER
  • ORR
  • Oxygen vacancies

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Synergistic effect of oxygen vacancies and in-situ formed bismuth metal centers on BiVO4 as an enhanced bifunctional Li–O2 batteries electrocatalyst'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this