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Unraveling the photocatalytic properties of TiO2/WO3 mixed oxides†

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Abstract

TiO2/WO3 heterojunctions are one of the most investigated systems for photocatalytic applications. However, distinct behavior can be found in the literature depending on the pollutant to be degraded and the photocatalyst preparation conditions. Some authors reported improved photocatalytic activities in relation to TiO2, while others a deleterious effect. Different factors have been identified to influence the activity of such systems. In this work, a systematic investigation of TiO2/WO3 samples with different W/Ti ratios (0–100%) was carried out using different pollutants as targets (gaseous NO, acetaldehyde and aqueous methylene blue solutions). A detailed structural investigation along with transient absorption studies and photoelectrochemical measurements allowed the rationalization of some of the previously reported factors that control the TiO2/WO3 photoactivity, i.e. the inability to reduce molecular oxygen, the stabilization of the anatase phase and the adsorption surface properties. The investigations also identified a factor not previously reported: in TiO2/WO3 systems, a fraction of long-lived holes do not take part in the interfacial charge transfer to efficient hole quenchers, such as methanol. This behavior seems to be related to the doping of the TiO2 matrix with W(vi) and plays a key role in the photocatalytic activity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Photochemistry and Materials Science, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil

    Leonardo F. Paula, Veronica P. B. Lacerda, Detlef W. Bahnemann & Antonio Otavio T. Patrocinio

  2. Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany

    Moritz Hofer & Detlef W. Bahnemann

  3. Laboratory “Photoactive Nanocomposite Materials”, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

    Detlef W. Bahnemann

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  1. Leonardo F. Paula
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  2. Moritz Hofer
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  3. Veronica P. B. Lacerda
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  4. Detlef W. Bahnemann
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  5. Antonio Otavio T. Patrocinio
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Correspondence to Leonardo F. Paula.

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Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/ c9pp00163h

Both authors contributed equally to this work.

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Paula, L.F., Hofer, M., Lacerda, V.P.B. et al. Unraveling the photocatalytic properties of TiO2/WO3 mixed oxides†. Photochem Photobiol Sci 18, 2469–2483 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1039/c9pp00163h

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