Photocatalytic hydrogen generation over alkali niobates in the presence of organic compounds

The photocatalytic efficiency of alkali niobate-based compounds (Li, Na, K) for hydrogen generation has been investigated. The systematic study showed that the highest photocatalytic activity was observed in the case of Na/Nb₂O₅ catalyst which contained sodium niobate (NaNbO₃) phase and that the most efficient electron donor for hydrogen generation was formic acid. In addition, the effect of organic donor (HCOOH) concentration on the amount of the evolved hydrogen was studied.