Balancing the crystallinity and specific surface area of bismuth tungstate for photocatalytic water oxidation

Hoi Ying Chung, Xuelian Wu, Rose Amal, Yun Hau Ng*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Crystallinity and specific surface area of a photocatalyst are two important factors in determining the ultimate photocatalytic performances. In this work, hierarchical bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) microspheres with modulations in crystallinity and surface area were carefully synthesised using hydrothermal method with a subsequent calcination treatment. Comparison of activities in photocatalytic water splitting was performed systematically to understand the role of each factor. While larger surface area is in general perceived to provide more active sites for reactions, it was found in this work that crystallinity which governs the photoexcited charge transportation has a more profound impact in influencing the photocatalytic water oxidation. These findings should be applicable to other powder type photocatalytic materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number110887
JournalMolecular Catalysis
Volume487
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2020

Keywords

  • Bismuth tungstate
  • Crystallinity
  • Oevolution
  • Surface area
  • Water oxidation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Balancing the crystallinity and specific surface area of bismuth tungstate for photocatalytic water oxidation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this