A P25/(NH(4))(x)WO(3) hybrid photocatalyst with broad spectrum photocatalytic properties under UV, visible, and near-infrared irradiation

In this study, a series of hybrid nanostructured photocatalysts P25/(NH(4))(x)WO(3) nanocomposites with the average crystallite size of P25 and (NH(4))(x)WO(3) of the sample was calculated to be about 30 nm and 130 nm, were successfully synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The as-obtained samples was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which implies that the P25/(NH(4))(x)WO(3) nanocomposites are fabricated with favourable nanosizd interfacial. The XPS results confirmed that the obtained sample consists of mixed chemical valences of W(5+) and W(6+), the low-valance W(5+) sites could be the origin of NIR absorption. As revealed by optical absorption results, P25/(NH(4))(x)WO(3) nanocomposites possess high optical absorption in the whole solar spectrum of 200–2500 nm. Benefiting from this unique photo-absorption property and the synergistic effect of P25 and (NH(4))(x)WO(3), broad spectrum response photocatalytic activities covering UV, visible and near infrared regions on degradation of Rhodamine B have been realized by P25/(NH(4))(x)WO(3) nanocomposites. Meanwhile, the stability of photocatalysts was examined by the XRD and XPS of the photocatalysts after the reaction. The results show that P25/(NH(4))(x)WO(3) photocatalysts has a brilliant application prospect in the energy utilization to solve deteriorating environmental issues.