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Published on: July 18, 2025
FexW1-xO3/Graphene Heterostructure: Preparation, Characterization, and Superior Performance in MB Degradation
Abdul Qadir1, Javed Iqbal Saggu1, Ghulam Muhauddin Sabir1
1Laboratory of Nanoscience and Technology, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|May 14, 2026
Summary
This study synthesized pure and iron-doped tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles and graphene nanocomposites. The Fe-doped WO3/graphene heterojunctions demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability for methylene blue degradation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photocatalysis
Background:
- Tungsten oxide (WO3) is a promising semiconductor material for photocatalysis.
- Doping and nanocomposite formation can enhance WO3 properties.
- Graphene incorporation can improve charge separation and photocatalytic efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate pure WO3 and Fe-doped WO3 nanoparticles (NPs).
- To prepare graphene-incorporated Fe-doped WO3 nanocomposites.
- To investigate the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized nanomaterials and their photocatalytic performance.
Main Methods:
- In-situ chemical coprecipitation for WO3 NPs synthesis.
- Ex-situ sonication for graphene-incorporated nanocomposite preparation.
- Characterization using FTIR, XRD (with Rietveld refinement), SEM, EDX, TEM, DRS, and PL spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Monoclinic symmetry and granular morphology were confirmed for WO3 NPs.
- Fe-doped WO3 NPs were successfully embedded on graphene nanosheets, forming nanocomposites.
- Heterojunction formation between graphene and Fe-doped WO3 led to enhanced adsorption, improved methylene blue (MB) degradation, and excellent photostability over five cycles.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized Fe-doped WO3/graphene nanocomposites exhibit superior photocatalytic activity.
- The enhanced performance is attributed to the graphene-WO3 heterojunction facilitating charge transfer.
- These materials show potential for efficient degradation of organic pollutants.
