Upconversion luminescence and enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production for Er3+ doped SrTiO3 nanopaeticles

Abstract SrTiO 3 and SrTiO 3 :Er 3+ nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel method. The synthesized SrTiO 3 :Er 3+ nanoparticles exhibit green and red emissions under the excitation at 980 nm. Both SrTiO 3 and SrTiO 3 :Er 3+ nanoparticles exhibit photocatalytic hydrogen production under the irradiation of simulated sunlight. Moreover, SrTiO 3 :Er 3+ nanoparticles show higher photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production than that of SrTiO 3 nanoparticles. The results indicate that SrTiO 3 is a good host for Er 3+ and the incorporation of Er 3+ is an effect way to enhance the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production.