Facile Preparation of Efficient WO3 Photocatalysts Based on Surface Modification

Abstract EN

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) was surface modified with Cu(II) nanoclusters and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanopowders by using a simple impregnation method followed by a physical combining method.

The obtained nanocomposites were studied by scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra, UV-visible light spectra, and photoluminescence, respectively.

Although the photocatalytic activity of WO3 was negligible under visible light irradiation, the visible light photocatalytic activity of WO3 was drastically enhanced by surface modification of Cu(II) nanoclusters and TiO2 nanopowders.

The enhanced photocatalytic activity is due to the efficient charge separation by TiO2 and Cu(II) nanoclusters functioning as cocatalysts on the surface.

Thus, this simple strategy provides a facile route to prepare efficient visible-light-active photocatalysts for practical application.