Issues of Using Benzyl Ether in Nanomaterials' Synthesis: Insights for a Standardized Synthesis of FeWO _<i>x</i> Nanocrystals and Their Use as Photocatalysts.

ABSTRACT: The synthesis of nonstoichiometric FeWO _x nanocrystals via thermal decomposition in benzyl ether has been systematically optimized, addressing reproducibility issues typically associated with this solvent. A key finding of this work is the identification of benzoic acid, a benzyl ether oxidation byproduct, as a necessary ligand for stabilizing tungsten intermediates and enabling consistent FeWO _x formation. The optimized protocol allows fine-tuning of the Fe/W atomic ratio, leading to a series of materials with tailored stoichiometry, surface properties, and electronic structure. Fe1.5WO _x , Fe1.0WO _x, and Fe0.1WO _x have been selected as representative examples of materials with Fe excess, slight Fe e

SUBMITTER: Boix R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature