US Patent 7763149 Solar photocatalysis using transition-metal oxides combining d

A method of carrying out a catalytic reaction with a catalytic reaction system comprising octahedral-based structures, such as a solid-solution or an ordered layered material, with specific early and late transition metals are described. A late transition metal is included in the solids so that a greater amount of solar energy can be absorbed by the catalytic reaction system and the solar efficiency of the method is increased. Catalytic compounds and compositions for carrying out the method are also described.