Crystallinity and specific surface area of a photocatalyst are two important factors in determining the ultimate photocatalytic performances. In this work, hierarchical bismuth tungstate (Bi₂WO₆) microspheres with modulations in crystallinity and surface area were carefully synthesised using hydrothermal method with a subsequent calcination treatment. Comparison of activities in photocatalytic water splitting was performed systematically to understand the role of each factor. While larger surface area is in general perceived to provide more active sites for reactions, it was found in this work that crystallinity which governs the photoexcited charge transportation has a more profound impact in influencing the photocatalytic water oxidation. These findings should be applicable to other powder type photocatalytic materials.

光催化剂的结晶度和比表面积是确定最终光催化性能的两个重要因素。在这项工作中，钨酸铋（Bi ₂ WO ₆）使用水热法并随后进行煅烧处理，仔细合成了具有结晶度和表面积调节作用的微球。系统地比较了光催化水分解中的活性，以了解每个因素的作用。虽然通常认为较大的表面积可为反应提供更多的活性部位，但在这项工作中发现，支配光激发电荷传输的结晶度在影响光催化水氧化方面具有更深远的影响。这些发现应适用于其他粉末型光催化材料。