Visible-light driven photocatalyst (Er~(3+):YAlO_3/Pt-NaTaO_3) for hydrogen production from water splitting

摘要

NaTaO_3 nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method and then the corresponding visible-light photocatalyst (Er~(3+):YAlO_3/Pt-NaTaO_3) was successfully prepared by mixing with Er~(3+):YAlO_3 as up-conversion luminescence agent and supporting Pt as co-catalyst. The prepared Er~(3+):YAlO_3/Pt-NaTaO_3 was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). By studying some influence factors such as Er~(3+):YAlO_3 and Pt-NaTaO_3 mass ratio, heat-treated temperature, visible-light irradiation time and solution acidity (pH) on the visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production caused by Er~(3+):YAlO_3/Pt-NaTaO_3, it was found that the prepared Er~(3+):YAlO_3/Pt-NaTaO_3 with 0.3:1.0 mass ratio heat-treated at 500 ℃ for 120 min in weak acidic solution (pH = 5.0-6.0) with 5.0 wt% methanol displayed a high photocatalytic activity in hydrogen production from water solution.