Recent Progress in WO3-Based Photo(electro)-Catalysis Systems for Green Organic Synthesis and Wastewater Remediation: A Review

Photo(electro)-catalysis has increasingly attracted attention from researchers due to its wide applications in green chemical transformation, including organic synthesis and environmental remediation. As a promising candidate, the n-type semiconductor WO3 possesses a suitable bandgap (~2.6 eV), good visible-light response, high chemical stability, and multi-electron transfer capability, thus endowing it with enormous potential in heterogeneous photocatalysis (PC) and photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) to address environment and energy issues. In this review, the recent research progress of WO3-based photo(electro)-catalysts is examined and systematically summarized with regard to construction strategies and various application scenarios. To start with, the research background, functionalization methods and possible reaction mechanisms for WO3 are introduced in depth. Key influencing factors, including light absorption capacity, charge carrier separation, and reusability, are also analyzed. Then, diverse applications of WO3 for the elimination of organic pollutants (e.g., persistent organic pollutants and polymeric wastes) and green organic synthesis (i.e., oxidation, reduction, and other reactions) are intentionally discussed to underscore their vast potential in photo(electro)-catalytic performance. Finally, future challenges and insightful perspectives are proposed to explore effective WO3-based materials. This comprehensive review aims to offer profound insights into innovative exploration of high-performance WO3 semiconductor catalysts and guide new researchers in this field to better understand their vital roles in green organic synthesis and hazardous pollutants removal.