Synthesis of WO3 nanorods by reacting WO(OMe)4 under autogenic pressure at elevated temperature followed by annealing

This article reports on the fabrication of WO3 nanorods using an efficient straightforward synthetic technique, without a catalyst, and using a single precursor. The thermal dissociation of WO(OMe)(4) at 700 degrees C in a closed Swagelok cell under an air/inert atmosphere yielded W18O49 nanorods. Annealing Of W18O49 at 500 degrees C under an air atmosphere led to the formation of pure WO3 nanorods. The obtained products are characterized by morphological (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy), structural (X-ray diffraction analysis, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy), and compositional [energy-dispersive X-ray and elemental (C, H, N, S) analysis] measurements. The mechanism of the formation of nonstoichiometric W18O49 nanorods is supported by the measured analytical data and several control experiments.