Visible-light-driven photocatalytic water oxidation over LaNbON2-LaMg2/3Nb1/3O3 solid solutions

Solid solutions between LaNbON2 and LaMg2/3Nb1/3O3, i.e. (LaNbON2)(1-x)(LaMg2/3Nb1/3O3)(x) (0.0 <= x <= 1.0), have been investigated as photocatalysts for water oxidation into oxygen under visible light illumination (lambda >= 420 nm). Many important parameters are strongly correlated with solid solution levels, including band gap, nitrogen content, defect concentration,band edge alignments, etc. This offers us a useful tool to steer photocatalytic performance among these solid solutions. Much improved photocatalytic activity is noticed for (LaNbON2)(0.8)(LaMg2/3Nb1/3O3)(0.2) (x = 0.2), which gives an AQE as high as 0.53% at 420 +/- 20 nm. This useful strategy by forming solid solutions opens new playgrounds full of opportunities for the design and development of efficient photocatalysts for solar energy conversions.

Automated summary

Solid solutions between LaNbON2 and LaMg2/3Nb1/3O3 have been investigated for water oxidation under visible light illumination, showing improved photocatalytic activity. The formation of solid solutions provides a useful tool to steer photocatalytic performance and opens new opportunities for efficient photocatalysts development for solar energy conversions.