Publication date: 15th December 2025
To overcome the inefficient surface charge transfer and sluggish OER kinetics that limit hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) photoanodes paired with oxygen-evolution co-catalysts (OECs), we introduce an oxygen-deficient double perovskite, PrBa₀.₅Sr₀.₅Co₁.₅Fe₀.₅O₆–δ (PBSCF), as a highly active OEC for surface modification. This approach enables the formation of an in-situ S-scheme heterojunction with hematite, confirmed by theoretical analyses, which accelerates electron transfer and significantly improves reaction kinetics. As a result, the Si:Ti–Fe₂O₃/PBSCF photoanode achieves a photocurrent density of 3.70 mA cm⁻² at 1.23 VRHE, displays a lowered onset potential, and retains exceptional operational stability for more than 120 hours. These results underscore the capability of perovskite oxide layers to alleviate the intrinsic limitations of hematite photoanodes and offer a promising pathway toward efficient, durable PEC water-splitting systems for clean energy production.
