Premium
Defects in Porous Networks of WO 3 Particle Aggregates
Author(s) -
Márquez Augusto,
RodríguezPérez Manuel J.,
Anta Juan A.,
RodríguezGattorno Geonel,
Bourret Gilles R.,
Oskam Gerko,
Berger Thomas
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201500435
Subject(s) - materials science , tungsten , tungsten trioxide , porosity , electrochromism , photocurrent , particle (ecology) , chemical engineering , thin film , electrochemistry , electrode , interconnection , photocatalysis , chemical physics , nanotechnology , composite material , optoelectronics , metallurgy , chemistry , computer network , biochemistry , oceanography , computer science , engineering , geology , catalysis
The most frequently studied functionalities of porous WO 3 particle systems—namely their electrochromic and photocatalytic properties—are intimately related to the wanted or unwanted action of defects in the material. Here, we report on the generation and action of three types of defects in WO 3 electrodes: solid/solid interfaces between adjacent particle aggregates, defects generated in situ upon photoinduced electron accumulation, and defects resulting from tungsten bronze formation. Depending on the degree of aggregate interconnection, we observe a beneficial, albeit transient, effect of charge accumulation on the photoelectrocatalytic activity of the thin films, giving rise to an almost threefold increase in photocurrent. The dynamic change of thin film properties associated with this doping process is tracked by a combined spectroscopic and electrochemical approach, which allows the beneficial and detrimental effects of defects to be resolved on the electrochemical potential scale.