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Solution Processing of Topochemically Converted Layered WO3 for Multifunctional Applications
Priyabrata Sahoo1,2, Bikesh Gupta1, Ramesh Chandra Sahoo1,2
1Energy Materials Laboratory, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Arkavathi Campus, Survey No.7, Shivanapura, Dasanapura Hobli, Bangalore, 562162, India.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a method to create layered tungsten oxide (WO3) from tungsten disulfide (WS2). This enables solution processing for applications like supercapacitors and photoanodes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Solution processing of nanomaterials offers simplicity and scalability for diverse applications.
- Liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) studies of tungsten oxide (WO3) are limited due to the unavailability of bulk layered WO3.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a one-step topochemical synthesis for bulk layered WO3 from commercially available tungsten disulfide (WS2).
- To investigate the liquid-phase exfoliation of the synthesized WO3 and identify optimal solvent systems.
- To fabricate thin films from WO3 dispersions for energy storage and photoelectrochemical applications.
Main Methods:
- One-step topochemical synthesis of layered WO3 from WS2, optimizing reaction time and temperature.
- Liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) of synthesized WO3 in 22 different solvents, identifying propan-2-ol/water (1:1) as optimal.
- Fabrication of WO3 thin films via spray coating and characterization for supercapacitor and photoanode performance.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of bulk layered WO3 from WS2 confirmed by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.
- Identification of propan-2-ol/water (1:1) as the best solvent system for WO3 exfoliation, suggesting optimal surface tension and Hansen solubility parameters.
- WO3 thin films exhibited an areal capacitance of 31.7 mF/cm² in supercapacitors and demonstrated potential as photoanodes for water oxidation.
Conclusions:
- A scalable method for producing bulk layered WO3 suitable for solution processing has been established.
- The developed WO3 dispersions and thin films show promise for advanced energy storage and photocatalytic applications.
- This work overcomes limitations in WO3 exfoliation, opening new avenues for its utilization in nanotechnology.
