Structure and Photocatalytic Activity of PdCrOx Cocatalyst on SrTiO3 for Overall Water Splitting

The mechanism of PdCrOx multi-component cocatalyst formation on SrTiO3 was investigated using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PdCrOx/SrTiO3 samples were synthesized by a photodeposition method under UV light irradiation (λ > 300 nm) for various time periods (0–5 h). The fine structure and valence state of the Pd species of PdCrOx nanoparticles were varied from Pd oxide to a mixture of metallic Pd and oxidized Pd species with an increase in the irradiation time. The overall water-splitting activity of PdCrOx was strongly dependent on the photoirradiation time during deposition. Although longer photoirradiation time during preparation did not influence the H2 evolution activity of PdCrOx/SrTiO3 from aqueous methanol solution, it was effective in suppressing the O2 photoreduction activity, which is one of the backward reactions during overall water splitting.