2D ultra-thin WO3 nanosheets with dominant {002} crystal facets for high-performance xylene sensing and methyl orange photocatalytic degradation

Here we report the synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) ultra-thin WO3 nanosheets (∼4.9 nm) with dominant {002} crystal facets through a facile surfactant-induced self-assembly method. It was found that the ultra-thin WO3 nanosheets showed remarkably enhanced xylene sensing performance and methyl orange photocatalytic degradation performance, which could be ascribed to the high percentage of reactive {002} crystal facets (>90%) and high specific surface area (121 m2/g). The mechanism of gas sensing and photocatalysis was systematically studied. This work will be intriguing for designing high-performance metal oxides-based gas sensing and photocatalytic materials through 2D structural modulation and crystal facets engineering, which is important to promote their practical applications in environmental issues.