Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic performance of WO3 nanorods @ graphene nanocomposites

WO3 nanorods @ graphene (WO3@GE) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a photoreduction method. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. The functional groups present in graphene oxide (GO) such as carboxyl (C=O) were mostly reduced in the WO3@GE nanocomposites. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO). The results showed that the WO3@GE nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to bare WO3 nanorods.

► WO3@GE nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a photoreduction method.
► The GE @ WO3 nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to bare WO3 nanorods.
► This work highlighted the potential application of graphene-based materials in the field of photocatalysis.