A new electrolytic process for the synthesis of tungsten oxide nanopowder from WC-6Co scrap

Abstract

An improved process was developed for the synthesis of hydrated tungsten oxide nanopowder from WC-6Co scrap at room temperature. This process is relatively less expensive and energy efficient. The conventional processes used for synthesizing tungsten oxide nanopowder are performed at high temperatures. In this study, tungsten oxide nanopowders are produced via electrolysis of WC-6Co pellet using sulfuric acid as an electrolyte; followed by dehydration at 150 °C. The dehydration treatment resulted in phase transformation. High purity nanorods and nanoplates of hydrated tungsten oxide were produced. The crystal size in the range of 9.6–13.8 nm was produced. The effect of process parameters on phase, crystal size, lattice strain, and morphology of tungsten oxide nanopowder is discussed.