WO₃/TIO₂ NANOCOMPOSITES SYNTHESIZED VIA CO-PRECIPITATION FOR EFFICIENT PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF VARIOUS ORGANIC DYES

WO3/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized via a co-precipitation method and thermally treated at 8000C and
1200°C to improve crystallinity and phase stability. Comprehensive characterization was carried out using X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy
(HRSEM), and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis) XRD confirmed the presence of rutile TiO2 and
monoclinic WO3 phases, indicating successful heterojunction formation. FTIR analysis revealed characteristics Ti-O and
W-O vibrational bands, as well as surface hydroxyl groups, suggesting active sites for photocatalysis. HRSEM images
showed a hierarchical nanostructured with WO3 nanorods uniformly dispersed over TiO2 nanofibres, enhancing surface
area and light interaction. UV-Vis results demonstrated strong visible light absorption, with a reduced band gap attributed
to the WO3-TiO2 interface, favoring efficient charge separation.
Photocatalytic performance was assessed by the degradation of six organic dyes-Methylene Blue (MB), Methyl Red
(MR), Congo Red (CR), Crystal Violet (CV), and Amaranth-under visible light. Complete degradation was achieved
within 120 minutes, confirming high photocatalytic efficiency. Recyclability tests showed the composites maintained
over 90% activity across-five cycles, indicating strong stability and re usability. These results affirm that WO3/TiO2
nanocomposites calcined at elevated temperature are promising, cost-effective materials for wastewater treatment and
environmental remediation.