Tantalum doped BaZrO3 for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation by water splitting

Ta doped BaZrO3 photocatalyst with a cubic perovskite structure was synthesized using precipitation from homogenous solution method. After calcination, the obtained BaZr1 − xTaxO3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05) samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, surface area analyses and photocatalytic activity. As-prepared BaZr1 − xTaxO3 samples show efficient hydrogen generation by water splitting without addition of any co-catalyst under UV–vis light irradiation. The highest hydrogen production rate (180 μmol/h) was achieved by BaZr0.96Ta0.04O3 which could be attributed to extended absorption in visible region and surface area.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► First report on Ta doped BaZrO3 which shows high photocatalytic H2 evolution. ► Cubic BaZr1-x TaxO3 was synthesized by precipitation from homogenous solution method. ► BaZr1-xTaxO3 samples show efficient photocatalytic activity without any co-catalyst. ► High H2 production rate is due to reduce band gap and enhanced surface area.