Straight-forward Synthesis of Sponge-sphere like Cobalt Tungstate: An Efficient Photocatalyst for Dye Degradation

Abstract

Herein, we attempted for the synthesis of novel sponge-sphere like cobalt tungstate nanoparticles (CoWO4 NPs) via simple co-precipitation technique without using any surfactant/templates. The as-prepared CoWO4 NPs were characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, UV-Visible and elemental mapping analysis. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared nanoparticles was investigated by the degradation of cationic dye methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. It exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation with a decolorization efficiency of 94% within 90 min. In addition, this work gives a novel application of CoWO4 NPs in environmental remediation.