Highly active WO3 semiconductor photocatalyst prepared from amorphous peroxo-tungstic acid for the degradation of various organic compounds

The photocatalytic activity and physical properties on WO3 photocatalysts prepared by various methods were investigated. WO3 photocatalyst (WO3(PA)) prepared from aged amorphous peroxo-tungstic acid showed the highest activity for hexane degradation, which was ∼6 times higher than that of commercial WO3, and exhibited a strong absorption in visible light region. WO3(PA) loaded with CuO as co-catalyst showed a high activity for the complete oxidation of various organic compounds into CO2, as compared with the activities of commercial or homemade WO3 catalysts and N-doped TiO2. The high activity of WO3(PA) was explained by high surface area, good crystallinity, and efficient light absorption in visible light region. The light absorption of WO3(PA) powder was probably improved because of a decrease in surface reflection at the smooth and porous surface of WO3(PA) and because of its increased light path length.