Modifying the photocatalytic property of ZnO-based photoelectrodes by introducing MgFe2O4 nanoparticles

Limited light absorption and acute charge recombination on the surface of ZnO nanostructure-based photoelectrodes are the basic challenges to be grappled with for better photoelectrochemical performance. Here, in this study, we attempted to fabricate a methodical and sturdy nano-heterojunction photoelectrode by anchoring chemically stable spinel ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) on ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays. The magnetic ferrites with a low band gap improve the ability of nano-heterojunction photoelectrodes to harvest solar energy in the visible region which further enhances the photocurrent density and photoelectrochemical conversion efficiency (PCE), respectively, when compared to pure ZnO NR. The optimized sample MFZ_3 h exhibited the most intense photocurrent density 0.54 mA/cm(2) among all the samples. The band alignment at the MgFe2O4/ZnO nano-heterojunction enables significant charge transfer and separation properties. The photoelectrode composed of hybrid nanostructure provides long term durability. This work denotes an easy yet fruitful strategy of developing cost-effective earth-abundant magnetite-based heterojunction photoelectrodes that act as an effective photocatalyst for photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC) application.