MGa2O4 (M=Zn,Ni) rods with similar crystallinity and BET surface area were prepared via a facile template-engaged reaction.The photocatalytic activities for water splitting of RuO2-loaded MGa2O4 (M=Zn,Ni) were investigated under high-pressure Hg lamp.RuO2-loaded ZnGa2O4 catalyst exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than RuO2-loaded NiGa2O4.Factors affecting the photocatalytic activities of RuO2-loaded MGa2O4 (M=Zn,Ni) were discussed.It was suggested that the electronic structure of oxide semiconductor was a predominant factor of the photocatalytic behavior for RuO2-loaded MGa2O4 (M=Zn,Ni).