Two‐Dimensional Perovskite Oxynitride K2LaTa2O6N with an H+/K+ Exchangeability in Aqueous Solution Forming a Stable Photocatalyst for Visible‐Light H2 Evolution

Abstract

AbstractUndoped layered oxynitrides have not been considered as promising H2‐evolution photocatalysts because of the low chemical stability of oxynitrides in aqueous solution. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of a new layered perovskite oxynitride, K2LaTa2O6N, as an exceptional example of a water‐tolerant photocatalyst for H2 evolution under visible light. The material underwent in‐situ H+/K+ exchange in aqueous solution while keeping its visible‐light‐absorption capability. Protonated K2LaTa2O6N, modified with an Ir cocatalyst, exhibited excellent catalytic activity toward H2 evolution in the presence of I− as an electron donor and under visible light; the activity was six times higher than Pt/ZrO2/TaON, one of the best‐performing oxynitride photocatalysts for H2 evolution. Overall water splitting was also achieved using the Ir‐loaded, protonated K2LaTa2O6N in combination with Cs‐modified Pt/WO3 as an O2 evolution photocatalyst in the presence of an I3−/I− shuttle redox couple.