WO<sub>3</sub>-TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanocomposite and its Applications: A Review

Abstract

Design and development of nanostructure of titanium dioxide (TiO2) assemblies has gained significant scientific interest and become the most studied material as it exhibits promising functional properties. Nevertheless, formation of TiO2 nanocomposite thin film, especially WO3-loaded TiO2 nanotubes without bundling is essential for high efficiency in many potential applications, including photocatalytic oxidation related applications, solar cell related applications, electrochromic devices and sensing related applications. Thus, this chapter aims to summarize on the development of an efficient WO3-loaded TiO2 nanotubes catalyst for the improving the performance for charge carriers transportation and extended the spectral response of TiO2 to visible spectrum. In fact, coupling TiO2 with W6+ species will lead to an additional electronic state in the band-gap of nanocomposite thin film, which in turn affect a change in the electronic and functionality of TiO2 itself. As a result, band gap narrowing effects could expand the range of excitation light to the visible region and provide sites that slow down the recombination of charge carriers. To bring more TiO2 related applications to the point of commercial readiness and viability in terms of performance and cost, substantial research on the development of high efficient nanocomposite thin film (WO3-TiO2) is necessary. In this chapter, different synthesis strategies and research findings for WO3-TiO2 nanocomposite thin film as well as its prospects in potential applications will be reviewed in detail.