Synthesis and Structural Analysis of Bi2WO6 Catalysts under Different Conditions

Bi2WO6 is an attractive, multifunctional photocatalyst with significant applications in water splitting and the decomposition of organic contaminants. In this research, we aim to investigate the synthetic conditions for preparing Bi2WO6 polycrystalline powder samples by a solid-state reaction method. Balanced stochiometric quantities of high-purity chemicals of Bi2O3 and WO2 were mixed and ground together, pressed into a pellet, and then heated at high temperatures with a variety of heating profiles. This method was then repeated with WO2 replaced by WO3. Powder X-ray diffraction technique was used to determine the respective purities and impurities to determine which heating profile is best suitable.