Cu-loaded SrTiO₃ nanoparticles (Cu–SrTiO₃) were prepared using a simple in situ photo-deposition method and their photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution from methanol aqueous solution was evaluated. The results characterized with XRD, TEM, XPS and EDX indicated that the as-synthesized sample was composed of metallic Cu and cubic SrTiO₃, and the metallic Cu was homogeneously loaded on the surface of SrTiO₃ nanoparticles. Under UV light irradiation, Cu–SrTiO₃ displayed much higher photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution and excellent stability in comparison with pure SrTiO₃ nanoparticles. The results further confirmed that the efficient separation of photogenerated electron/hole pairs was critical for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Cu–SrTiO₃. Moreover, the rate of hydrogen evolution of 0.5 wt.% Cu–SrTiO₃ is comparable with that of 0.5 wt.% Pt–SrTiO₃ photocatalyst under optimum conditions, implying that the metallic Cu is an efficient alternative to Pt as a co-catalyst on SrTiO₃. The high photocatalytic activity, low cost and chemical stability mean that the Cu-loaded SrTiO₃ is a potential catalyst for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from methanol aqueous solution.

Tải file Preparation of Cu-loaded SrTiO3 nanoparticles and their photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution from methanol aqueous solution tại đây