Photocatalytic water decomposition by RuO2-loaded antimonates, M2Sb2O7 (M = Ca, Sr), CaSb2O6 and NaSbO3, with d10 configuration

The photocatalytic activity for water decomposition of alkaline earth metal and alkaline metal antimonates, M2Sb2O7 (M = Ca, Sr), CaSb2O6 and NaSbO3, was investigated. These antimonates were photocatalytically active when combined with RuO2: both H-2 and O-2 were produced from the initial stage of reaction under UV irradiation, and the photocatalytic activity became stable as the reaction proceeded. The photocatalytic properties are discussed based on the distorted structures of SbO6 octahedra. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.