Direct growth and photo-electrochemical study of WO3 nanostructured materials

•Direct formation of WO3 nanostructures•Growth mechanism of the WO3 nanostructures under the hydrothermal condition•WO3 nanospheres with uniform size and enhanced photoelectrochemical activity

Here we report on a facile and effective approach for the synthesis of WO3 nanospheres in conjunction with a study of the WO3 platelet growth mechanism under the hydrothermal condition via an electrochemical reduction technique. WO3 platelets with variable dimensions were directly grown on the W substrate over different treatment timelines during the hydrothermal process. The electrodes were subsequently electrochemically treated, which resulted in the removal of the surface layer, whereupon WO3 nanospheres were obtained. During electrochemical treatment, the color of the electrode was altered from yellowish green to black; the obtained nanospheres had a lustrous purple color. Interestingly, the nanospheres exhibited a 7-fold enhancement in the photoelectrochemical degradation of 4-nitrophenol when compared to the parent WO3-platelet electrode.

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