For the first time in this work, we manage to synthesize single-crystalline NaNb_0.875Ta_0.125O₃ wires by combining the advantages of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure and heteroatom doping strategy. Careful Ta doping was performed to figure out the correlation between morphological and structural evolution as well as the photocatalytic performance towards H₂ generation. It was found that, the as-prepared NaNb_0.875Ta_0.125O₃ wires presented a highest and stable photocatalytic performance, which was appropriately 41 and 2 folds higher than that of bare NaTaO₃ and NaNbO₃. The optical activity was mainly ascribed to the synergistic effect between appropriate Ta doping and perfect 1D wire-like morphology, which resulted in fewer defects, improved charge transfer efficiency and higher reduction capability of electrons. On the other hand, a possible photocatalytic mechanism of photocatalytic H₂ production was proposed in detail. This work creates a new perspective into designing multi-component materials and understanding the mechanism of H₂ evolution, which offers new opportunities for solar-energy conversion.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2020.05.006