Nanoparticles of WO3 catalyze oxygen evolution from water under illumination with visible light.  Here it is shown that modification with transition metals, incl. Ir, Co, Ir, Ni, and Mn alters the photocatalytic properties of this nanomaterial.  Electrochemical measurements show a reduction of the water oxidation overpotential.  Photoelectrochemical measurements revealed a negative shift in onset potential and a decrease in current, thought to be due to surface defects introduced in the modification process.  Surface photovoltage measurements revealed an increase in photovoltage that is indicative of increased charge carrier separation in the modified systems.  The photocatalytic oxidative ability of the modified nanoparticles was assessed in water at pH = 3 under visible light.  The observed increase in oxygen production is mostly a result of the electrocatalytic properties of the added metal ions.  These results show that the photocatalytic properties of suspended WO3 can be improved through modification with metal ions.

Transition metal-modified WO<sub>3</sub> particles as improved water oxidation photocatalysts

248th National Meeting (2014)

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Transition metal-modified WO3 particles as improved water oxidation photocatalysts

Transition metal-modified WO₃ particles as improved water oxidation photocatalysts