Synthesis and Structural Analysis of Bi2WO6 Catalysts under Different Conditions

Abstract

Bi₂WO₆ is an attractive, multifunctional photocatalyst with significant applications in water splitting and the decomposition of organic contaminants. In this research, we aim to investigate the synthetic conditions for preparing Bi₂WO₆ polycrystalline powder samples by a solid-state reaction method. Balanced stochiometric quantities of high-purity chemicals of Bi₂O₃ and WO₂ were mixed and ground together, pressed into a pellet, and then heated at high temperatures with a variety of heating profiles. This method was then repeated with WO₂ replaced by WO₃. Powder X-ray diffraction technique was used to determine the respective purities and impurities to determine which heating profile is best suitable.