Hierarchically structured WO3–CNT@TiO2NS composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

A novel hierarchically structured WO₃–CNT@TiO₂NS composite was prepared by the combination of solvothermal and liquid-phase chemistry deposition techniques. The obtained composite has a highly rough and porous structure with WO₃ nanoparticles distributed uniformly on the surface. The photocatalytic performance was tested by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. It is indicated that the WO₃–CNT@TiO₂NS composite shows more remarkable improvement of the photocatalytic performance than that of the CNT@TiO₂NS. In particular, the presence of 15 wt% WO₃ enables reaching the highest photocatalytic activity, which is 4 times that of CNT@TiO₂NS. The enhanced photocatalytic properties are mainly attributed to the more efficient photogenerated carrier separation, enhanced light absorption as well as the higher adsorption ability. It is suggested that WO₃ deposition is a promising way to enhance the photocatalytic activity of a TiO₂-based photocatalyst.