A series of Cr-doped layered niobates were synthesized by solid state method in this paper and were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectrum and scanning electron microscope. Their photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activities were tested in a 20vol% methanol aqueous solution as electron donor under UV light irradiation. The results proved that the Cr doping amount had an important effect on the photocatalytic activity of the catalysts. The highest photocatalytic activity was obtained when the doping amount was 1.25 mol%. H+ replacement improved the hydrogen evolution rate further. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.