Hierarchical WO3 microflowers with tailored oxygen vacancies for boosting photocatalytic dye degradation

Abstract

Herein, hierarchical WO₃ microflowers with tailored oxygen vacancies are newly fabricated by a facile chemical bath deposition integrating H₂-reduction route and exhibit a remarkably boosted activity toward visible-light-driven photocatalytic dye degradation, such as that of rhodamine B and methyl orange. The origin of the remarkably boosted activity can be readily ascribed to the integrated factors of the unique hierarchical microflowers and oxygen vacancies that contribute to the enhanced visible-light absorbance, the narrowed band gap and the reduced photoelectron–hole recombination ability. In addition, this photocatalyst also presents an excellent recycling performance due to its robust hierarchical structure and stable crystal phase, showing significant potential for future applications. It is anticipated that this work can shed a bright light on developing highly efficient photocatalysts toward visible-light-driven photocatalytic pollutant cleaning.