Ni-MOF in-situ Decorating ZnO photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical water splitting

The Ni-MOF as co-catalyst has been in-situ introduced on the surface of ZnO photoelectrode by chemical etching method for the first time, and the unique organic/inorganic heterostructure (Ni-MOF/ZnO) was applied for photoelectrochemical water splitting. The Ni-MOF could work as special co-catalyst to improve the kinetic and charges separation of ZnO electrode, and the photocurrent density of Ni-MOF/ZnO has increased to about 1.8 times than that of bare ZnO. The IPCE value of Ni-MOF/ZnO has been enhanced up to 11% (355nm, 0.5V vs Ag/AgCl). The proposed mechanism of charges transfer has been also discussed in-depth, according to the photoelectrochemical performance.