Controlled synthesis of tungsten trioxide with globular clusters constructed of nanoplates by rapid breakdown...

Herein, electrochemical synthesis of tungsten trioxide (WO₃) with globular clusters constructed of nanoplates is demonstrated. Under a breakdown anodization potential of 25 V at 50 °C, tungsten foil anode was efficiently electro-oxidized into WO₃nanoplates-aggragated globular clusters powder, rather than a thin film structure as conventional anodization occurs. The WO₃globular clusters were characterized by SEM, TEM, and XRD. Effects of electrolyte composition on the breakdown anodization of the W substrate has been discussed. It is suggested that the growth of the WO₃nanoplates is initiated by localized anodic dielectric breakdown, and followed by an effective crystal growth in the electrolyte at high breakdown field.