%0 Journal Article %A Oshikiri, Mitsutake %A Ye, Jinhua %A Boero, Mauro %D 2014 %T The Role of Ni-Based Cocatalyst in Inhomogeneous RVO4 Photocatalyst Systems (R = Y, Gd) %U https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/The_Role_of_Ni_Based_Cocatalyst_in_Inhomogeneous_RVO_sub_4_sub_Photocatalyst_Systems_R_Y_Gd_/2281411 %R 10.1021/jp502099v.s001 %2 https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/3917857 %K roadmap %K oxygen generation %K Role %K experiment %K role %K surface Ni doping %K photocatalyst %K bulk %K Cocatalyst %K compound %K Inhomogeneous RVO 4 Photocatalyst Systems %K photocatalytic RVO 4 systems %K analysis %K simulation %K cocatalyst %K Gd %K Ni dopant %K variance %K inspection %X We extend here our inspection, via first-principles dynamical simulations supported by experiments, to the inhomogeneous photocatalytic RVO4 systems. At variance with our former paper, we limit the present analysis to the most promising photocatalysts (R = Y, Gd) for which the addition of a Ni-based cocatalyst provides the best activities. The specific role of Ni-based cocatalysts is elucidated, showing that a surface Ni doping, as opposed to a bulk one, is the most efficient way to enhance the catalytic activities of these compounds. This is a key step in the improvement of the photocatalysts and a roadmap to optimize the amount of Ni dopant needed for both hydrogen and oxygen generation. %I ACS Publications