Simple preparation of WO3–ZnO composites with UV–Vis photocatalytic activity and energy storage ability

Abstract

A series of WO3–ZnO composites with different WO3 contents was successfully prepared via a simple aqueous solution route at low temperature. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS). Photocatalytic activity and energy storage ability of the as-prepared WO3–ZnO composites were evaluated by degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution. Compared with pure ZnO and P25, WO3–ZnO composites show the higher degradation efficiency under UV–Vis light irradiation. After light irradiation, the maximum degradation efficiency in dark can reach 17.2% as the WO3 content of the composite is 5mol%. In addition, photocatalysis and energy storage mechanisms of the WO3–ZnO composites were discussed.