Nanostructured Tungsten Trioxide (WO₃): synthesis, structural and morphological investigations

Abstract

Abstract Tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) has attracted considerable attention due to its promising and remarkable properties. In this study, we have prepared WO 3 nanostructures via a simple chemical method using tungsten carbide (WC) as a precursor. This novel approach has many advantages such as high yields, simple methodology and easy work up. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern initially revealed the formation of the intermediate phase of tungsten trioxide hydrate (WO 3 .H 2 O), then the complete transformation to pure WO 3 after annealing at 600°C for 5h in air atmosphere. The prepared WO 3 nanostructures crystallized into a monoclinic phase. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image indicates the exceptional porous morphology, which consisted of hollow sphere-like shape with a uniform distribution. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the structural composition and the purity of the formed WO 3 . The experimental results proved that our simple approach offers a promising route to prepare WO 3 nanostructures as high performance material for advanced applications.