PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESISANDCHARACTERIZATION OF BiVO4/NiOCOMPOSITES

The utilization of BiVO4 as a photoanode and NiO as a photocathode offers promising potential for the development of environmentally friendly alternative energy. This study investigates the integration of BiVO4 and NiOelectrodesin a water electrolysis system for hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) production. The system employed a water-basedelectrolyte, a Nafion membrane as the ion separator, and a DC voltage source to drive the electrolysis process. Thecombination of BiVO4 anode and NiO cathode enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of H2 generation. Experimental results demonstrated that increasing the supplied electrical power was directly proportional to the risein H2 and O2 concentrations. Measurements confirmed that higher applied voltages at the BiVO4 anode andNiOcathode produced greater amounts of H2, with the decomposition of H2O molecules yielding an approximate H2:O2 ratio of 2:1. Furthermore, current analysis revealed that higher current densities at the BiVO4/NiOelectrodescorresponded to increased H2 production. These findings highlight the potential of BiVO4/NiO-basedphotoelectrochemical systems for sustainable hydrogen energy applications. This study also aligns with the UnitedNations Sustainable Development Goal SDG-13: Climate Action, as the development of clean hydrogen energydirectly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the effects of climate change, and fosteringalow-carbon energy future.