Formation of TiO2–WO3 nanotubular composite via single-step anodization and its application in photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

A nanotubular composite of TiO2–WO3 was synthesized via anodic oxidation of titanium in a single-step process using phosphotungstic acid as the tungsten source. The composite material was evaluated for photoelectrochemical water splitting and demonstrated a 46% increase in conversion efficiency by incorporating WO3 compared to TiO2 nanotubes prepared under similar conditions.

► New method for functionalizing TiO2 nanotubes during anodization.
► TiO2–WO3 formed using phosphotungstic acid.
► Enhanced electronic and optical properties using new functionalizing method.
► 46% increase in photoelectrochemical water splitting reaction.
► Functionalization method can be applied to other transitional metals for enhanced properties.