Composition analysis of Ta₃N₅/W₁₈O₄₉ nanocomposite through XPS

A characterization of a nanocomposite material consisting of Ta₃N₅ nanoparticles and W₁₈O₄₉ nanowires is presented. The material is of interest for photocatalytic applications, with a focus on pollution reduction through the photodegradation of dye waste; under white light illumination, the combination of Ta₃N₅ and W₁₈O₄₉ yielded an enhanced rate of dye degradation relative to Ta₃N₅ particles alone. The facile method of synthesis is thought to be a promising route for both upscale and commercial utilization of the material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a core–shell composite structure with W₁₈O₄₉ present as an overlayer on Ta₃N₅; the analyzed spectra for the C 1s, O 1s, Ta 4f, N 1s, W 4f, and Na 1s regions are reported. It should be noted that due to differential charging of the underlying Ta₃N₅ component relative to the W₁₈O₄₉ shell, an additional uncompensated voltage shift may exist in the Ta 4f and N 1s spectra.