Enhancement of symmetry-induced photoluminescence in bismuth tungstate microcrystals

Bi2WO6 (BWO) powders synthesized via hydrothermal processes were studied in order to determine the effect of structure on photoluminescence (PL). BWO samples were characterized using X-Ray Powder Diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and PL intensity measurements. Orthorhombic structures were observed in all samples. A change in crystal microstructure and optical band gap was observed. The PL intensity obtained with different samples varied, with the highest intensity obtained with BWO fabricated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Using Raman spectroscopy, a change in the microcrystal symmetry from P21ab to B2cb was observed and found to be responsible for the increase in photoluminescence. [Display omitted] •Importance of templates in the structural organization.•Influences of structural change in the photoluminescence.•Change symmetry derived from the use of templates.