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Green Hydrogen From Water Splitting via Unique Two-Dimensional Photocatalysts

A team led by National Taiwan University researchers engineered two‑dimensional SrTiO₃ nanoplatelets by hydrothermally converting Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ precursors, creating a 2D/2D epitaxial SrTiO₃/Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ heterostructure. The process produces rough, high‑surface‑area platelets that dramatically lower charge‑carrier recombination and accelerate interfacial charge transfer. Photocatalytic tests show hydrogen evolution rates soaring to 2950 × g⁻¹ h⁻¹, far surpassing prior benchmarks. The work underscores precise synthesis control as a pathway to quantum‑efficient solar water‑splitting catalysts.