Rh doped SrTiO3 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by polymerizable complex method. The optimal Rh doping levels as well as calcination temperature were optimized to achieve the best catalytic performance. It was found that SrTiO3: Rh (1 mol%) loaded with Pt had the highest rate of hydrogen production. In comparison with solid state reaction and hydrothermal methods, the samples prepared by polymerizable complex method had the most promising activity. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.