The roles of various Ni species over SnO2 in enhancing the photocatalytic properties for hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

Pt/Ni(OH)2-Ni2O3-SnO2 showed higher photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity under visible light irradiation. Ni(OH)2 enhanced evidently not only the light absorption of SnO2 in visible light region but also the proton reduction to hydrogen reaction, while Ni2O3 acted as electron trap site and promoted efficient separation of photo-generated electrons and holes.