Modification of small noble metal particles on KCa2Nb3O10 restacked nanosheets and the photocatalytic activity

Abstract

A new method to modify KCa2Nb3O10 restacked nanohsheets with small Pt particle was developed, based on a simple electrostatic interaction between cationic precursor of Pt and negatively charged nanosheets. Compared to an ordinary impregnation method, the location of deposited Pt particles, size and valence state were different. More concretely, Pt was deposited not only on the external surface of the restacked KCa2Nb3O10 nanohsheets, but also in the interlayer nanospace. Moreover, the deposited Pt was mainly very small (≤ 1 nm) and electron-deficient. The Pt deposited restacked KCa2Nb3O10 nanosheets showed high photocatalytic activity for overall water splitting, which is the highest one among the nanosheets-based photocatalyst. The small particle size and deposition site of Pt are possible reasons for the high activity.