Facile synthesis of hierarchical hexagonal flower-like WO3•0.33H2O nanostructures with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

Novel hierarchical hexagonal flower-like WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O nanostructures (HHFWNs) have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. We found that the hierarchical architectures of WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O are self-assembled by a number of regular-shaped nanosheets of size 10-20 nm, which are cross-linked in the interior of the micro-hexagonal-flower. According to the time-dependent morphology evolution process, a possible formation mechanism is put forward. The effects of PEG-400 and H2O2 on the product are also studied. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the obtained HHFWNs was investigated for the degradation of RhB under visible light illumination. The product exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity and has good stability and reproducibility. We believe that the present work will provide some ideas for further fabrication of other novel nanostructures and exploration of their applications.