Enhancing Electronic and Optical Properties of $\alpha$-Fe$_2$O$_3$ by Introducing B, Y, and Nb Dopants for Improved Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Abstract

Advanced theoretical investigations are crucial for understanding the structural growth mechanisms, optoelectronic properties, and photocatalytic activity of photoelectrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting. In this work, we conducted first-principles calculations aimed at designing $\alpha$-Fe2O3 photoelectrodes incorporating mono-dopants such as boron (B), yttrium (Y), and niobium (Nb), as well as co-dopants (B, Y) and (B, Nb) to enhance the performance of photoelectrochemical cells. We assessed the thermodynamic phase stability by calculating formation enthalpy ($E_f$) and examining material properties, including microstrain ($\mu_\epsilon$) and crystallite size ($D$). The mono-dopants, Y and Nb, and the co-dopants, (B, Y) and (B, Nb), exhibited negative $E_f$ values under the substitutional doping method, confirming their thermodynamic phase stability and suggesting their practical viability for experimental implementation. Notably, the values of $\mu_\epsilon$ and $D$ fell within the ranges observed experimentally for $\alpha$-Fe2O3, indicating their effectiveness in growth mechanisms. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the optoelectronic properties of doped $\alpha$-Fe2O3, we calculated the electronic band structure, density of states, atom's ionic charge, and optical absorption coefficient. This analysis allowed us to examine the improvements in the electronic charge characteristics and photon-electron interactions. B-doped $\alpha$-Fe2O3 led to the formation of impurity bands, which were mitigated by utilizing co-dopants (B, Y) and (B, Nb). The metal dopants, Y and Nb, significantly increased the charge carrier density, while the co-dopants, (B, Y) and (B, Nb), substantially enhanced light absorption in the visible spectrum.