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We report on the incorporation of molybdenum into tungsten oxide by co-sputtering and its effect on solar-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Our study shows that Mo incorporation in the bulk of the film (WO3:Mo) results in poor PEC performance when compared with pure WO3, most likely due to defects that trap photo-generated charge carriers. However, when a WO3:Mo/WO3 bilayer electrode is used, a 20% increase of the photocurrent density at 1.6 V versus saturated calomel reference electrode is observed compared with pure WO3. Morphological and microstructural analysis of the WO3:Mo/WO3 bilayer structure reveals that it is formed by coherent growth of the WO3:Mo top layer on the WO3 bottom layer. This effect allows an optimization of the electronic surface structure of the electrode while maintaining good crystallographic properties in the bulk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen production is a promising technology that uses sunlight and water to produce renewable hydrogen with oxygen as a by-product. In the expanding field of PEC hydrogen production, the use of standardized screening methods and reporting has emerged as a necessity. This article is intended to provide guidance on key practices in characterization of PEC materials and proper reporting of efficiencies. Presented here are the definitions of various efficiency values that pertain to PEC, with an emphasis on the importance of solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, as well as a flow chart with standard procedures for PEC \characterization techniques for planar photoelectrode materials (i.e., not suspensions of particles) with a focus on single band gap absorbers. These guidelines serve as a foundation and prelude to a much more complete and in-depth discussion of PEC techniques and procedures presented elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]