Nanostructure-based WO3 photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2012 Jun 14;14(22):7894-911. doi: 10.1039/c2cp40976c. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

Abstract

Nanostructured WO(3) has been developed as a promising water-splitting material due to its ability of capturing parts of the visible light and high stability in aqueous solutions under acidic conditions. In this review, the fabrication, photocatalytic performance and operating principles of photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) for water splitting based on WO(3) photoanodes, with an emphasis on the last decade, are discussed. The morphology, dimension, crystallinity, grain boundaries, defect and separation, transport of photogenerated charges will also be mentioned as the impact factors on photocatalytic performance.