Characterization and optical properties of spherical WO3 nanoparticles synthesized via the reverse microemulsion process and their photocatalytic behavior

• Synthesis of spherical WO3 nanoparticles and their high photocatalytic activity.
• WO3 photocatalyst with orthorhombic type phase is prepared via reverse microemulsion.
• Characterization of WO3 nanoparticles and investigation of their optical properties.
• Uniform shape and non-agglomerated WO3 nanoparticles made via chemical route at 25 °C.
• Formation of single-phase WO3 nanoparticles with a phase-pure by calcination at 450 °C.

In this study, orthorhombic WO3 (tungsten trioxide) nanoparticles with light absorption properties in the visible region were successfully synthesized via reverse microemulsion at room temperature. The morphology, size, phase composition, structure, and optical properties of these particles were characterized. Through this method, highly crystalline and well-dispersed WO3 nanoparticles with a phase-pure were successfully obtained. The photocatalytic activities of tungsten trioxide nanoparticles were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB, used as a probe) dye under visible light irradiation, which exhibits a high photocatalytic MB dye degradation activity as compared to bulk WO3 and the commercial P-25 TiO2 powder.

Comparative photocatalysis degradation of MB dye under UV–vis light irradiation: (a) without photocatalyst; (b) bulk WO3; (c) commercial P-25 TiO2 powder; and (d) WO3 nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide