H2 evolution under visible light irradiation from aqueous methanol solution on SrTiO3:Cr/Ta prepared by spray pyrolysis from polymeric precursor

SrTiO3:Cr/Ta powders were prepared by spray pyrolysis from polymeric precursors. Effects of the amount of co-dopant and additives on the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution from aqueous methanol solution under visible light irradiation (λ > 415 nm) were investigated. For the photocatalyst prepared by spray pyrolysis from polymeric precursor, the hydrogen evolution rate was increased by a factor of ∼100 and induction period was decreased by a factor of 8 compared with a photocatalyst prepared by solid state reaction. These enhancements result from increased roughness of surface, and the compositional uniformity which are intrinsic characteristics of spray pyrolysis. In addition, photocatalyst prepared by spray pyrolysis from polymeric precursor have large BET surface area and small amount of Cr6+ ion which is responsible for long induction period. It should be noted that the reduction of Cr6+ ion was achieved without hydrogen reduction process.

► SrTiO3:Cr/Ta photocatalysts were prepared by spray pyrolysis from polymeric precursor. ► The photocatalysts have rough surface, large BET surface area and small amount of Cr6+. ► The photocatalyst increased hydrogen evolution rate and decreased induction period.