# Dandelion‐Like CuWO4/WO3 Composite Photoanode Employing Layered Double Hydroxide Catalysts for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

## TL;DR

A new dandelion-shaped CuWO4/WO3 photoanode with a NiCo-LDH catalyst improves water oxidation efficiency in neutral solutions.

## Contribution

A novel dandelion-like CuWO4/WO3 heterojunction with NiCo-LDH co-catalyst is introduced for enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation.

## Key findings

- The dandelion-like CuWO4/WO3 heterojunction achieves a photocurrent density of 0.17 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE.
- The modified photoanode shows a cathodic shift in photocurrent onset potential and improved IPCE.
- LDHs enhance proton-coupled electron transfer and reactant diffusion.

## Abstract

This study introduces a novel modified dandelion‐like CuWO4/WO3 heterojunction photoanode featuring NiCo‐layered double hydroxide (NiCo‐LDH) as a co‐catalyst, fabricated through hydrothermal and drop casting methods. Morphological and photoelectrochemical assessments elucidate that the optimal dandelion‐like CuWO4/WO3 heterojunction facilitates charge separation in a neutral solution. Additionally, electrochemical evaluations of the CuWO4/WO3 heterojunction decorated with LDHs co‐catalysts reveal enhancements in photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE), cathodic shift of the photocurrent onset potential, and an increase in photocurrent density to 0.17 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, which is twice that of the pristine photoanode under neutral pH conditions. The improved performance of the modified photoanode is attributed to the accelerated diffusion of reactants and products, as well as efficient proton‐coupled electron transfer processes facilitated by the presence of LDHs.

Hydrothermally grown WO3/CuWO4 composite photoanode with tunable dandelion‐like structure improves photocurrent response. The synthesis parameters control the size and distribution of the dandelion structures, there by governing the composition and photoelectrochemical activity. © 2026 WILEY‐VCH GmbH