Easy synthesis of titania–tungsten trioxide nanocomposite films by anodising method for solar water splitting

Abstract

Titania–tungsten trioxide (W-TiO₂) films were in situ fabricated by the electrochemical anodising of titanium in a non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing sodium tungstate as the tungsten source. Glycerol was used as a green solvent. The morphology, structure and composition of synthesised films were characterised by SEM, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV–visible respectively. The results indicated that sodium tungstate concentration in anodising solution significantly influenced the morphology of the surface, structure and photocatalytic activity of these films. So to access an optimum morphology, a proper concentration of sodium tungstate is required. Photocatalytic activity of samples was evaluated by testing the solar water splitting. The W1-TiO₂ sample exhibited better photocatalytic activity than the bare TiO₂ film and other W-TiO₂ samples.

Keywords:

• Coating
• Film
• Nanoporous
• Nanotube
• Solar water splitting
• Tungsten