Synthesis and characterization of WO3 spherical nanoparticles and nanorods

Simple and new wet chemical routes are adopted for the synthesis of tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanopowders having two different morphologies such as spherical and rod-like. Acid catalyzed exothermic reaction and a structure directing reagent have been used to control the formation of spherical and rod shaped nanoparticles, respectively. Thermal analysis and FTIR spectral data have been used to confirm the formation of the intermediate and the ultimate reaction products. X-ray and Raman spectroscopic data indicate the monoclinic structure of both forms of the particles. Rod shaped WO3 particles exhibit better crystallinity and low specific surface area compared to those exhibited by spherical particles. Band gaps are found to be nearly identical irrespective of the morphology.