Noble-metal-free Ni3C as co-catalyst on LaNiO3 with enhanced photocatalytic activity

In this study, Ni 3 C nanoparticles (NPs) were loaded on LaNiO 3 NPs as a co-catalyst during the photocatalytic H 2 evolution. The evolution rate of the LaNiO 3 -3 wt%Ni 3 C composite (4093.9 μmol g −1  h −1 ) is about 5 times and 2 times as that of pristine LaNiO 3 NPs (819.2 μmol g −1  h −1 ), and 1 wt% Pt loaded LaNiO 3 NPs (1927 μmol g −1  h −1 ). The effects of co-catalyze with Ni 3 C on light absorption, electron-hole spatial separation, and surface H 2 -evolution kinetics are investigated. Loading with Ni 3 C can enhance the spatial separation of electron-hole pairs, and improve the H 2 -evolution kinetics. Further investigation shows that surface decomposition of LaNiO 3 NPs can only be observed when the Ni 3 C content is over 3 wt%, caused by the reductive carbon source needed in the loading process. This work indicates that transition metal carbide can be a promising co-catalyst candidate for oxides in photocatalytic applications without concerning corrosion from the reductive carbonaceous precursors in the loading process.