Amelioration in the visible-light-driven photocatalysis by < 002 > faceted WO3 nanocuboids

• Synthesized WO3 nanocuboids exposed with < 002 > crystal facet using oxalic acid.
• Faceted WO3 possesses better photocatalytic for the removal of organic contaminants.
• Faceted WO3 possesses better photoelectrochemical water oxidation.
• High activity was discussed in terms of higher wettability and surface energy.

Monoclinic WO3 nanocuboids with preferred texturing in the < 002 > plane were synthesized hydrothermally using oxalic acid as the structure-directing agent. The faceted WO3 showed excellent photoelectrochemical oxidation of H2O and photocatalytic removal of methyl-tertiary-butyl ether, better than that of its non-faceted counterpart. Improved catalytic activity of nanocuboids is attributed to its surface structure and wettability.

An oxalic acid-directed synthesis of < 002 > faceted WO3 nanocuboids for efficient photoelectrochemical oxidation of H2O and photocatalytic removal of organic water contaminant.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide