g-C3N4 coated SrTiO3 as an efficient photocatalyst for H2 production in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation

A highly active photocatalyst based on g-C3N4 coated SrTiO3 has been synthesized simply by decomposing urea in the presence of SrTiO3 at 400 °C. The catalyst demonstrates a high H2 production rate ∼440 μmol h−1/g catalyst in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation, which is much higher than conventional anion doped SrTiO3 or physical mixtures of g-C3N4 and SrTiO3. The improved photocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the close interfacial connections between g-C3N4 and SrTiO3 where photo-generated electron and holes are effectively separated. The newly synthesized catalyst also exhibited a stable performance in the repeated experiments.

► Synthesis of a photocatalyst based on g-C3N4 coated SrTiO3. ► The catalyst shows high activity for H2 production. ► The special structure is responsible for high activity.