Applied low bias with high frequency for enhancing mineralization ability of WO3 as visible-light-driven photocatalyst in gas phase

The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of toluene in the gas phase over nanosized WO3 was investigated under both static bias (constant value) and dynamic bias (sine-wave, half sine-wave). The photocatalytic studies indicated that the dynamic bias had a higher PEC synergistic effect compared with the static bias. The photocatalytic efficiency reached the maximum value under 1V10MHz half sine-wave, which was 3.5 times that of WO3 without any external bias. More importantly, under low bias with high frequency, besides the benefit of enhanced efficiency, the formation of formaldehyde as a more poisonous intermediate could also be prevented in the degradation process.

Low bias with high frequency can not only further enhance the efficiency of WO3 compared with constant bias, but also prevent the formation of formaldehyde as a more poisonous intermediate in the degradation process.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A PEC technique applied in gas-phase for enhancing mineralization ability of WO3.
► The comparison between static and dynamic bias in PEC degradation is studied.
► Low bias with high frequency has the best enhanced effect rather than high bias.
► Low bias with high frequency prevents the formation of formaldehyde meanwhile.