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Enhanced catalytic activity of WO3–Au nanotubes: mechanism and environmental remediation potential

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Abstract

Environmental pollution treatment is a pressing global issue, and the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective pollution remediation technologies is crucial. We reported the synthesis and full characterization of WO3 nanotubes, featuring a diameter of 10–15 nm and lengths extending up to several micrometers. Spherical Au nanoparticles (NPs) grew randomly on the surface of the WO3 nanotubes. These nanotubes were employed for the photocatalytic degradation of the organic contaminant Rhodamine B. Notably, the WO3–Au nanotubes exhibited exceptional performance in the adsorption and photodegradation of Rhodamine B, achieving an impressive 95.6% removal rate. This enhancement can be attributed to the effective separation of photogenerated charge carriers, the extension of light absorption into the visible region, and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and Schottky barrier formed by the Au nanoparticles. The proposed photocatalytic mechanism explains the step-by-step degradation of Rhodamine B by utilizing the unique properties of the nanotubes. Recycling experiments demonstrated the stability of the photocatalyst, highlighting its potential for water purification applications. These findings emphasize the promising role of WO3–Au nanotubes as efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation.

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Acknowledgements

This work has been supported by the research fund of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) with the Grant Number KHCBVL.04/22-23.

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The authors have not disclosed any funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam

    T. Anh Thu Do, Truong Giang Ho, Hong Thai Giang & Quang Ngan Pham

  2. Institute of Physics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam

    Duc Toan Nguyen & T. Ha Lien Nghiem

  3. Institute of Theoretical and Applied Research, Duy Tan University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam

    Trung Hieu Nguyen & Minh Tan Man

  4. Faculty of Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam

    Trung Hieu Nguyen & Minh Tan Man

Authors
  1. T. Anh Thu Do
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  2. Duc Toan Nguyen
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  3. Truong Giang Ho
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  4. Hong Thai Giang
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  5. Quang Ngan Pham
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  6. T. Ha Lien Nghiem
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  7. Trung Hieu Nguyen
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Contributions

TATD, MTM analyzed data and prepared the manuscript and figures. DTN, QNP, HTG, TGH, THN, and THLN carried out the experiment. TATD, THN and MTM discussed the results, writing—review & editing. TATD and MTM supervised the project. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to T. Anh Thu Do or Minh Tan Man.

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Anh Thu Do, T., Nguyen, D.T., Ho, T.G. et al. Enhanced catalytic activity of WO3–Au nanotubes: mechanism and environmental remediation potential. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 34, 2246 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-023-11631-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-023-11631-z

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