Controlled synthesis of hierarchical flower-like Sb2WO6 microspheres: Photocatalytic and superhydrophobic property

•Sb2WO6 microspheres with different morphologies were prepared at different pH.•Sb2WO6 microspheres exhibited good photocatalytic activity for degradation of dyes.•Sb2WO6 films were superhydrophobic.

Functional Sb2WO6 samples were prepared by a solvothermal method. XRD and XPS spectroscopy were used to demonstrate structures of the as-prepared Sb2WO6 samples. And the morphologies were characterized via SEM and TEM. Different morphologies of the Sb2WO6 samples can be conveniently achieved by simply changing the pH value. The Sb2WO6 microspheres were obtained when the pH = 2. A possible formation process of Sb2WO6 microspheres was proposed. The Sb2WO6 microspheres have high photocatalytic activity and stability for the degradation of Rhodamine B. Moreover, the wettability of Sb2WO6 microspheres was also investigated. Results suggest that Sb2WO6 surface has high superhydrophobicity.

Graphical abstractThe 3D hierarchical flower-like Sb2WO6 microspheres have been successfully synthesized via the solvothermal method. The products exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and superhydrophobic property.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide