2D ultra-thin WO3 nanosheets with dominant {002} crystal facets for high-performance xylene sensing and methyl orange photocatalytic degradation

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2019-04, Vol.783, p.848-854
• Main Authors: Liang, Yan, Yang, Yong, Zou, Chengwu, Xu, Keng, Luo, Xingfang, Luo, Ting, Li, Jiayi, Yang, Qing, Shi, Pengyuan, Yuan, Cailei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crystal structure; Detection; Dyes; Gas sensing; Gas sensors; Nanosheets; Performance degradation; Photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Self-assembly; Tungsten oxides; WO3; Xylene; {002}crystal facets
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.12.384

Here we report the synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) ultra-thin WO3 nanosheets (∼4.9 nm) with dominant {002} crystal facets through a facile surfactant-induced self-assembly method. It was found that the ultra-thin WO3 nanosheets showed remarkably enhanced xylene sensing performance and methyl orange photocatalytic degradation performance, which could be ascribed to the high percentage of reactive {002} crystal facets (>90%) and high specific surface area (121 m2/g). The mechanism of gas sensing and photocatalysis was systematically studied. This work will be intriguing for designing high-performance metal oxides-based gas sensing and photocatalytic materials through 2D structural modulation and crystal facets engineering, which is important to promote their practical applications in environmental issues. [Display omitted] •Two-dimensional (2D) ultra-thin WO3 nanosheets (∼4.9 nm) were synthesized.•A facile surfactant-induced self-assembly method was used.•The nanosheets had dominant {002} crystal facets.•The nanosheets showed remarkably enhanced xylene sensing performance.•They also showed excellent methyl orange photocatalytic degradation activity.