Synthesis and Characterization of WO3/Graphene Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities by One-Step In-Situ Hydrothermal Reaction

Abstract

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanorods are synthesized on the surface of graphene (GR) sheets by using a one-step in-situ hydrothermal method employing sodium tungstate (Na2WO4·2H2O) and graphene oxide (GO) as precursors. The resulting WO3/GR nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results confirm that the interface between WO3 nanorod and graphene contains chemical bonds. The enhanced optical absorption properties are measured by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the WO3/GR nanocomposites under visible light is evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue, where the degradation rate of WO3/GR nanocomposites is shown to be double that of pure WO3. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of graphene and the WO3 nanorod, which greatly enhances the photocatalytic performance of the prepared sample, reduces the recombination of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and increases the visible light absorption efficiency. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism of the WO3/GR nanocomposites is presented. The synthesis of the prepared sample is convenient, direct and environmentally friendly. The study reports a highly efficient composite photocatalyst for the degradation of contaminants that can be applied to cleaning up the environment.

Coal Fly Ash Decorated with Graphene Oxide–Tungsten Oxide Nanocomposite for Rapid Removal of Pb2+ Ions and Reuse of Spent Adsorbent for Photocatalytic Degradation of Acetaminophen

“…Figure Ab shows that more intense peaks appeared at 2θ = 12.70°(100), 27.82° (101), 28.30° (200), 32.53° (202), 35.35° (111), 46.38°(201), 64.70° (622), 78.38° (414), and 80.92° (422), which corresponded to WO 3 NPs. In addition, a small broad peak was observed at around at 2θ = 16.56°, which corresponds to the amorphous nature of GO to form the CFA/GO/WO 3 nanocomposite [shown with the highlighted red circle with the expanded spectrum as shown in Figure Ab (inset)]. , This data confirmed the formation of the CFA/GO/WO 3 NRs nanocomposite. The successful incorporation of WO 3 NRs on CFA/GO resulted in enhanced adsorption of Pb 2+ ions.…”

“…In addition, a small broad peak was observed at around at 2θ = 16.56°, which corresponds to the amorphous nature of GO to form the CFA/ GO/WO 3 nanocomposite [shown with the highlighted red circle with the expanded spectrum as shown in Figure 1Ab (inset)]. 23,24 This data confirmed the formation of the CFA/ GO/WO 3 NRs nanocomposite. The successful incorporation of WO 3 NRs on CFA/GO resulted in enhanced adsorption of Pb 2+ ions.…”

Co3O4/Bi4O5I2/Bi5O7I C-Scheme Heterojunction for Degradation of Organic Pollutants by Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation

“…Irradiation conditions (photon energy and flux) and optical absorption properties of the photocatalyst (band gap, size, and surface area) affect the electron–hole pair (EHP) regeneration rate, and the fate of the EHPs control the catalytic reactions on the surface or within the photocatalyst . EHP recombination occurs if the carrier diffusion time to the surface is longer than the electron–hole recombination time. , Therefore, photoluminescence spectra of materials are important to understand the EHP recombination rate.…”

rGO-WO3 Heterostructure: Synthesis, Characterization and Utilization as an Efficient Adsorbent for the Removal of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Levofloxacin in an Aqueous Phase

“…The deconvoluted XPS spectrum of O can be well-resolved into three components, i.e., 533.1, 531.7 and 530.6 eV ( Figure 5 d). The peak located at 533.19 eV might be related to the existence of a C-OH group [ 54 ]. The binding energy peak at 531.79 eV is accredited to a surface-adsorbed O-H group.…”