Development of visible-light-responsive Ru-doped KTaO3 photocatalyst for overall water splitting with one-step photoexcitation and the effects of codoping with La

Ru-doped KTaO3 prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction is found as an active photocatalyst for overall water splitting into H-2 and O-2 under visible light irradiation when a Rh-core/Cr2O3-shell cocatalyst is loaded. The water splitting activity is improved by codoping with a suitable amount of La. The optimized Ru and La-codoped KTaO3 splits water into H-2 and O-2 using visible light up to 540 nm with an apparent quantum yield of 0.03% at 420 nm.

Automated summary

Ru-doped KTaO3 prepared by solid-state reaction with a Rh-core/Cr2O3-shell co-catalyst exhibits high efficiency in overall water splitting into H-2 and O-2 under visible light irradiation. The water splitting activity is further enhanced by codoping with a suitable amount of La.