Photoelectrochemical, photocatalytic and photochromic performance of rGO-TiO2WO3 composites

Abstract The synthesis of rGO-TiO 2 WO 3 composites by simple solvothermal method followed by calcination process is reported. The prepared composite samples were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical (PEC), photocatalytic and photochromic properties of the prepared composites were investigated. The higher photon-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 6.5% was achieved by the rGO-TiO 2 WO 3 composite. The prepared composites show efficient removal of MB in aqueous solution by adsorption and visible light photocatalytic processes. Under solar light irradiation, the photochromic property of the transparent rGO-TiO 2 WO 3 composite coatings was high. The enhanced efficiency of the rGO-TiO 2 WO 3 composites is attributed to the presence of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The mechanism of the PEC, photocatalytic and photochromic properties is also illustrated. This study shows that rGO-TiO 2 WO 3 composites can be used for indoor and outdoor photovoltaic as well as smart window applications.