Photocatalytic performance of hybrid WO₃/TiO₂ nanomaterials for the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation

ABSTRACT

In this work, the hybrid WO₃/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysts were prepared using hydrothermal method for the degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light irradiation. The scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultra violet visible absorption and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy were employed to study the morphology, structure and functional groups, elemental composition and purity, and optical properties. The morphological results showed the rectangular structure of pure WO₃ with size of 36–550 nm, whereas spherical structures were also observed after incorporation of TiO₂ in WO₃. The monoclinic phase was found with high crystallinity. The composite sample (2% TiO₂/WO₃) showed seven times improved photocatalytic activity as compared to pure samples. The improvement may attribute to the increase of the photo-absorption effect by the TiO₂, the cooperative effect of the WO_3, optimal band gap and unique morphological structures. Considering our present study as cost-effective method, the as-synthesised photocatalysts can be suitable and give a new perspective for applied use in energy and environmental applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Nanoparticles
• visible light
• methylene blue
• photocatalytic activity
• TiO₂/WO₃

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.