Maximizing the Photocatalytic Activity of WO3 • 0.33H2O Prepared by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis through the Experimental Design Strategy

This work employs the experimental design strategy including the fractional factorial design (FFD), path of the steepest ascent (PSA) and central composite design (CCD) coupled with the response surface methodology (RSM) to promote the photocurrent density and photoelectrocatalytic activity of tungsten trioxide hydrates (WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O) prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAHS). The applied potential bias and pH of the precursor solution has been identified as the key factors significantly affecting the photocurrent density in the FFD study. These two factors are controlled to approach the vicinity of the optimal condition for obtaining the highest photocurrent density in the PSA study. In the CCD study, a model reflecting the effects of the applied potential bias and pH of the precursor solution on the photocurrent density of WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O is represented as a contour plot. The correlation between the photocurrent density and photoelectrocatalytic activity of WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O for pollutants degradation has been confirmed through the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under both UV and visible light irradiation. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.031306jes] All rights reserved.