A simple method to fabricate high-performance nanostructured WO3 photocatalysts with adjusted morphology in the presence of complexing agents

Abstract

[EN] The rich and complex chemistry of tungsten was employed to synthesize innovative WO3 nanoplatelets/nanosheets by simple anodization in acidic electrolytes containing different concentrations of complexing agents or ligands, namely F- and H2O2. The morphological and photoelectrochemical properties of these nanostructures were characterized. The best of these nanostructures generated stable photocurrent densities of ca. 1.8 mA cm(-2) at relatively low bias potentials (for WO3) of 0.7 V-Ag/AgCl under simulated solar irradiation, which can be attributed to a very high active surface area. This work demonstrates that the morphology and dimensions of these nanostructures, as well as their photoelectrochemical behavior, can be controlled by adjusting the ligand concentration in the electrolytes, hence providing an easy and non-expensive route to fabricate and customize high-performance nanostructured photocatalysts for clean energy production and environmental applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.