Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of monoclinic WO3 nanoplatelets: investigation of their photocatalytic performance

A facile and original approach based on a one-pot non-aqueous sol–gel solvothermal process was developed to synthesize 2D Tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoplatelets with an average size ranging from 30 50 nm, correspondingly high surface area. The structural, morphological, functional group, optical properties of the materials, adsorption surfaces were all investigated; degree hydroxyls (–OH groups) has been examined. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy techniques indicated formation di-hexyl ether as result reaction. absorption, measured using UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, revealed narrow bandgap (Eg = 2.18 2.48 eV for WO3-24 WO3-48, respectively) compared that bulk WO3 (2.7 eV), attributable oxygen vacancies. as-prepared displayed excellent photocatalytic performance degrading Rhodamine B under visible light-emitting diode light up 99% degradation rate achieved in 120 min. Thus, enhanced photodegradation presence along H2O2 assigned reactive species such ·OH RhB*+, involving strong synergistic effect between H2O2, effectively separating photocarriers and, consequence, boosting efficiency.