Photoelectrochromism in Tungsten Trioxide Colloidal Solutions

This article describes a simple laboratory experiment in which students observe the color changes undergone by tungsten trioxide (WO3) colloids subjected to UV irradiation. This experiment begins with the preparation of the colloidal solutions. The changes induced in their UV–visible absorption prof...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2004-12, Vol.81 (12), p.1790
Main Authors: Chenthamarakshan, C. R, de Tacconi, N. R, Xu, Lucy, Rajeshwar, Krishnan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analytical chemistry
Chemistry
Colloids
Design of experiments
Energy
Irradiation
Metallurgy
Science Education
Science Experiments
Science Instruction
Scientific Principles
Spectroscopy
Tungsten
Tungsten oxides
Ultraviolet radiation
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Summary:This article describes a simple laboratory experiment in which students observe the color changes undergone by tungsten trioxide (WO3) colloids subjected to UV irradiation. This experiment begins with the preparation of the colloidal solutions. The changes induced in their UV–visible absorption profiles by organic additives such as sodium oxalate are then examined. The experiment can be used to teach concepts in materials chemistry, photoelectrochemistry, electron-transfer processes, quantum mechanics, colloid chemistry, or chemical instrumentation depending on the instructor's emphasis.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/ed081p1790