WO3/TiO2 microstructures for enhanced photocatalytic oxidation

Novel WO3/TiO2 microrods and microplates are prepared by simple precipitation and calcination processes. The microstructures are assembled from WO3 and TiO2 nanoparticles. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence emission decay spectra. The as-prepared composites show enhanced photoactivity than that of WO3 and TiO2 in the photocatalytic oxidation of water to O2. The formation mechanism of assembled structures and their enhanced photoactivities are discussed based on characterization results.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► WO3/TiO2 microplate and microrod heterostructures are fabricated through co-assembling TiO2 and WO3 nanoparticles.
► Synthesized heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for O2 production from water than the pure components.
► Assembled structures depend mainly on the size ratio of two particles.
► High activities are proposed to be explained by the effectively electron transfer between WO3 and TiO2.