Sustainable and green synthesis of hydrogen tungsten bronze nanoparticles with nanocarbon via mechanically induced hydrogen spillover

In this study, we demonstrate sustainable and green nanotechnology for room-temperature synthesis of HxWO3 (0 < x < 0.5) via a novel reaction pathway induced by mechanical energy. A simple mixture of monoclinic WO3 powder and polyolefin (polypropylene) is used to obtain HxWO3 nanoparticles that show high crystallinity even through high-energy ball milling synthesis. The composite of HxWO3 nanoparticles and nanocarbon by-products exhibit unique optoelectronic properties along with outstanding enhancement of photocatalytic performance in the decomposition of azo-dye water pollutants under visible light. The formation mechanism of the obtained functional material is also discussed. The findings of this study provide insights into the limitations for mass production of HxWO3 nanoparticles, such as a specific setup for electrochemical reactions and precious metal catalysis.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates sustainable and green nanotechnology for room-temperature synthesis of HxWO3 (0 < x < 0.5) through a novel reaction pathway induced by mechanical energy. The formed HxWO3 nanoparticles show high crystallinity and unique optoelectronic properties, leading to outstanding enhancement of photocatalytic performance in the decomposition of azo-dye water pollutants under visible light. The study also discusses the formation mechanism of this functional material and provides insights into the limitations for mass production of HxWO3 nanoparticles.