Novel tree-like WO3 nanoplatelets with very high surface area synthesized by anodization under controlled hydrodynamic conditions

In the present work, a new WO3 nanostructure has been obtained by anodization in a H2SO4/NaF electrolyte under controlled hydrodynamic conditions using a Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) configuration. Anodized samples were analyzed by means of Field Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (FE-SEM), Confocal Raman Microscopy and photoelectrochemical measurements. The new nanostructure, which consists of nanoplatelets clusters growing in a tree-like manner, presents a very high surface area exposed to the electrolyte, leading to an outstanding enhancement of its photoelectrochemical activity. Obtained results show that the size of nanostructures and the percentage of electrode surface covered by these nanostructures depend strongly on the rotation velocity and the electrolyte composition.