Nanocomposites of tantalum-based pyrochlore nanoparticles and indium hydroxide were prepared by a hydrothermal process for UV-driven photocatalytic reactions including overall water splitting, hydrogen production from photoreforming of methanol, and CO2 reduction with water to produce CO. The best catalyst was more than 20 times more active than sodium tantalate in overall water splitting and 3...

Semiconductors designated for solar water-splitting need to be simultaneously stable and efficient in the charge transfer over the interface to the aqueous electrolyte. Although InP(100) has been employed as photocathode for several decades, no experimental data on its initial interaction with water is available. We study reaction mechanisms of well-defined surfaces with water and oxygen employ...