Template-free facile preparation of monoclinic WO3 nanoplates and their high photocatalytic activities

- Photocatalytic activity of the WO3 nanoplates is much higher than commercial WO3.
- OH is proved the active species responsible for photocatalytic reactions over WO3.
- The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of the WO3 nanoplates is confirmed.
- The template-free hydrothermal route is facile, cost effective and can be scaled up.