Fabrication of three-dimensional WO3/ZnWO4/ZnO multiphase heterojunction system with electron storage capability for significantly enhanced photoinduced cathodic protection performance

A novel three-dimensional hierarchical WO3 photoelectrode was prepared by solvothermal method, and ZnO was deposited on its surface by electrochemical method. The WO3/ZnWO4/ZnO multiphaseheterojunction photoelectrode was prepared by further annealing treatment to explore the photoinduced cathodic protection (CP) performance. Compared with WO3 and ZnO, the photoinduced CP and electron storage capacity performance of WO3/ZnWO4/ZnO is significantly improved in 3.5% NaCl solution without adding any hole scavenger. The electron storage capacity of the WO3/ZnWO4/ZnO heterojunction makes it possible to continuously protect metallic materials in the dark after switching offthe light, which can realize long-term and effective photoinduced CP. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Chinese Society for Metals.

Automated summary

A novel three-dimensional hierarchical WO3 photoelectrode was prepared by solvothermal method, and a WO3/ZnWO4/ZnO multiphase heterojunction photoelectrode was obtained through annealing treatment, showing significantly improved photoinduced cathodic protection and electron storage capacity in a 3.5% NaCl solution without the need for a hole scavenger. The electron storage capacity of the heterojunction enables long-term and effective photoinduced cathodic protection of metallic materials even in the dark.