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

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.