Content area

Abstract

Understanding the semiconductor-electrolyte interface in photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems is crucial for optimizing stability and reactivity. Despite the challenges in establishing reliable surface structure models during PEC cycles, this study explores the complex surface reconstructions of BiVO\(_{4}\)(010) by employing a computational workflow integrated with a state-of-the-art active learning protocol for a machine-learning interatomic potential and global optimization techniques. Within this workflow, we identified 494 unique reconstructed surface structures that surpass conventional chemical intuition-driven, bulk-truncated models. After constructing the surface Pourbaix diagram under Bi- and V-rich electrolyte conditions using density functional theory and hybrid functional calculations, we proposed structural models for the experimentally observed Bi-rich BiVO\(_{4}\) surfaces. By performing hybrid functional molecular dynamics simulations with explicit treatment of water molecules on selected reconstructed BiVO\(_{4}\)(010) surfaces, we observed spontaneous water dissociation, marking the first theoretical report of this phenomenon. Our findings demonstrate significant water dissociation on reconstructed Bi-rich surfaces, highlighting the critical role of bare and under-coordinated Bi sites (only observable in reconstructed surfaces) in driving hydration processes. Our work establishes a foundation for understanding the role of complex, reconstructed Bi surfaces in surface hydration and reactivity. Additionally, our theoretical framework for exploring surface structures and predicting reactivity in multicomponent oxides offers a precise approach to describing complex surface and interface processes in PEC systems.

Details

1009240
Identifier / keyword
Title
Machine-Learning-Accelerated Surface Exploration of Reconstructed BiVO\(_{4}\)(010) and Characterization of Their Aqueous Interfaces
Publication title
arXiv.org; Ithaca
Publication year
2024
Publication date
Dec 11, 2024
Section
Condensed Matter; Physics (Other)
Publisher
Cornell University Library, arXiv.org
Source
arXiv.org
Place of publication
Ithaca
Country of publication
United States
University/institution
Cornell University Library arXiv.org
e-ISSN
2331-8422
Source type
Working Paper
Language of publication
English
Document type
Working Paper
Publication history
 
 
Online publication date
2024-12-12
Milestone dates
2024-12-11 (Submission v1)
Publication history
 
 
   First posting date
12 Dec 2024
ProQuest document ID
3143450459
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/working-papers/machine-learning-accelerated-surface-exploration/docview/3143450459/se-2?accountid=208611
Full text outside of ProQuest
Copyright
© 2024. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.
Last updated
2024-12-13
Database
2 databases
  • ProQuest One Academic
  • ProQuest One Academic