WO_3-xhorizontally-grown on TiO₂(B) nanosheets for enhanced photo- and electro-chemical activity

WO_3-xwas deposited on TiO₂(B) nanosheets prepared using TiCl₄to form layered heterostructures via a two-step solvothermal synthesis, in which the horizontal growth of WO_3-xon TiO₂(B) nanosheets was carried out using WCl₆and ascorbic acid as a reducer. Optimized preparation conditions allowed WO_3-x/TiO₂(B) layered heterostructures to be formed. The photo- and electro-chemical properties of layered heterostructures depended strongly on the amount of WO_3-x. The WO_3-x/TiO₂(B) heterostructures demonstrated perfect catalytic performance in full solar-spectrum light and a fast degradation effect for dye and organic colorless pollutant. All target chemicals were degraded within 10 min using WO_3-x/TiO₂(B) samples as a photo-catalyst in the full solar-spectrum. The photo-assisted production kinetic of Cr(VI) ions were tested. The results indicate that the reproduction rate of Cr(VI) ions using WO_3-x/TiO₂(B) sample is three times higher than the initial TiO₂nanosheets. The result of the photo current and Mott-Shottky curve indicates that enhanced catalysis activity is ascribed to the surface of the metastable TiO₂(B) with Ti³⁺defects and oxygen vacancies as active sites for photocatalytic reaction. In addition, the loading of WO_3-xgreatly broadened the light absorption range of TiO₂(B), meaning that the product responded in the full solar spectrum.