LAUSR

Abstract Photoelectrocatalytic methodologies are attractive for the longstanding storage of renewable energy via direct transformation of solar energy into fuels and chemicals. Controlled electrodeposition of thin and homogeneous nickel hydroxylphosphate (Ni-OH-Pi) nanoparticle films on Zr:BiVO 4 photoanodes was achieved, wherein the Ni-OH-Pi co-catalyst increased the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation and stability of photoanodes comprising silver phosphate (AgPi) on Zr:BiVO 4 (AgNi-OH-Pi/Zr:BiVO 4 ). Evaluation of the optical, structural, and morphological properties revealed that the AgNi-OH-Pi/Zr:BiVO 4 photoanodes exhibited enhanced PEC behavior with photocurrent densities ( J ph ) of ∼3.14 mA cm −2 for water oxidation with long-term stability over 60 h and ∼4.15 mA cm −2 for hydrogen peroxide (0.5 M H 2 O 2 ) oxidation. The enhanced PEC of the fabricated AgNi-OH-Pi/Zr:BiVO 4 photoanodes was attributed to the synergetic influence of strong visible-light absorption, enhanced charge separation–transport, and exceptional surface properties. Considering their comparatively superior photocatalytic activity, the AgNi-OH-Pi/Zr:BiVO 4 photoanodes are potential electrode candidates in solar water splitting, dye-sensitized solar cells, and photocatalysis.