Affiliation:
1. Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, India
Abstract
The present global concern associated with the energy crisis and environmental pollution can be addressed through semiconductor photocatalysis technology by converting solar energy into green fuels. WO3 is considered as a favorable candidate due to its durability in the oxidation reaction, primarily in acidic pH, absorption of the visible photon (λ≤480 nm), cost beneficiary, and less toxicity. However, due to the undesirable position of its conduction band, WO3 suffers from photoexcited charge-carrier recombination and shows lower photo-response for the reduction process. To improve the activity under visible light, various approaches have been implemented, such as band alignment and restriction of charge-carrier recombination. This review summarises the numerous endeavors like manipulation of crystal facets and morphologies, incorporation of dopants, and composite formation through hetero-junctions using various semiconductors.