Stabilizing BiVO₄ Photoanode in Bicarbonate Electrolyte for Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Alcohol Oxidation

In order to expand the application of bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) to the field of photoelectrochemistry, researchers have explored the potential of BiVO₄ 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 BiVO₄. The research discovered that, in an acetonitrile electrolyte (pH 9) with sodium bicarbonate, BiVO₄ catalyzed benzyl alcohol by introducing saturated V⁵⁺. This innovation addressed the issue of benzyl alcohol being susceptible to catalysis in an alkaline setting, as V⁵⁺ was prone to dissolution in pH 9 on BiVO₄. The concern of the photocorrosion of BiVO₄ 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 V⁵⁺ further deterred the leaching of V⁵⁺. Concurrently, the production of carbonate radicals by bicarbonate played a vital role in catalyzing benzyl alcohol. The results show that, in this system, BiVO₄ has the potential to oxidize benzyl alcohol by photocatalysis.