We analyze the effects of microwave applied in the process of photoelectrochemical deposition of cobalt-based cocatalysts, Co-Pi, onto well-orientated flat α-Fe2O3 thin films, which were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. As compared with conventional heating, microwave significantly affects the morphology, chemical composition, and photocatalytic activity of Co-Pi/α-Fe2O3 composite. A significant enhancement in photocurrent related to photocatalytic water oxidation is achieved by the Co-Pi catalyst prepared under microwave irradiation. This, along with its interfacial electron-transfer properties, is studied by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Keywords: Co-Pi; cocatalysts; interface; microwave; photocatalysis; pulsed laser deposition; water splitting; α-Fe2O3.