In Situ Total X-Ray Scattering Study of WO3 Nanoparticle Formation under Hydrothermal Conditions

Pair distribution function analysis of in situ total scattering data recorded during formation of WO3 nanocrystals under hydrothermal conditions reveal that a complex precursor structure exists in solution. The WO6 polyhedra of the precursor cluster undergo reorientation before forming the nanocrystal. This reorientation is the critical element in the formation of different hexagonal polymporphs of WO3. Hard facts about solution species: Nanoparticles of WO3 crystallize from a complex precursor structure, as shown by in situ total scattering. The precursor structure exists in solution.