Production of WO3 Nanoplates with Ammonium Paratungstate

A fabrication process of tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoplates with ammonium paratungstate has been performed, the product showed great photocatalytic activity due to the plate-like shape.

Metal-oxide semiconductor nanostructures have been widely used in optical and electronic applications because of their high aspect-ratio structure, large surface area, and interesting physical properties. Among them, tungsten oxide (WO3) is a promising candidate for semiconductor gas sensors, electrochromic devices and photocatalysts. Structure and morphology of WO3 have obvious influences on its properties and applications. It has been reported that tungsten oxide with mixed structures exhibits poor optical properties, whereas the single-structure tungsten oxide, either hexagonal or cubic, exhibits noticeable absorption capacity.

Hydrothermal synthesis is effective, low cost, and environmentally friendly. Moreover, WO3 nanoplates (WO3(H2O)0.33) produced by hydrothermal method exhibited 3D hollow spheres, which showed amazing photocatalytic activity.

The synthesis procedures are as follows:

APT was used as material for WO3 production, and nitric acid (HNO3) solution of 14 mol/L (M) was prepared. The HNO3 solution was stirred vigorously for 1 h, and then were transferred into Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclaves at 180 °C for 20 h to get the final products. The as-obtained products were washed several times both in water and ethanol, followed by drying at 80 °C for 2 h.

The morphology of the powder was observed using fielding emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The phases of the powder were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activities of samples were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of RhB aqueous solution at 25 °C under UV light irradiation. A 300 W Hg arc lamp was used as a light source to provide the ultraviolet light. In a typical reaction, 0.1 g of as-prepared photocatalysts was dispersed into 100 mL of RhB aqueous solution (1 × 10−5 M).

In conclusion, The as-prepared WO3 exhibits the wonderful photocatalytic activity due to the plate-like morphology and porous structure.

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