Ultrathin bismuth tungstate nanosheets as an effective photo-assisted support for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation

In this study, ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) bismuth tungstate (Bi 2 WO 6 ) nanosheets were adopted as a Pt support for photo-assisted electrocatalytic methanol oxidation . Compared with traditional electrocatalytic reactions , the photo-assisted electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reactions of Pt-2D Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets under simulated solar light and visible light irradiation were improved 5.1 and 2.0 times, respectively. The better photo-assisted electrocatalytic methanol oxidation activities of Pt-Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets can be attributed to the unique 2D structure that strengthens the oxidation ability of photogenerated holes, reduces the time required for carrier migration, reduces the recombination rate of carriers and provides a larger specific surface area. Additionally, our experimental results reveal the critical factors of photo-assisted enhanced electrocatalytic activities for methanol oxidation and provide a new way to improve the photo-assisted electrocatalytic activities for methanol oxidation.