Enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of WO(3)-surface modified TiO(2) thin film

Development of nanostructured photocatalysts for harnessing solar energy in energy-efficient and environmentally benign way remains an important area of research. Pure and WO(3)-surface modified thin films of TiO(2) were prepared by magnetron sputtering on indium tin oxide glass, and photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities of these films were studied. TiO(2) particles were <50 nm, while deposited WO(3) particles were <20 nm in size. An enhancement in the photocurrent was observed when the TiO(2) surface was modified WO(3) nanoparticles. Effect of potential, WO(3) amount, and radiations of different wavelengths on the photoelectrochemical activity of TiO(2) electrodes was investigated. Photocatalytic activity of TiO(2) and WO(3)-modified TiO(2) for the decolorization of methyl orange was tested. [Figure: see text]