Fabricating Tungsten and Tungsten-Trioxide Nanocomposite Colloid in Deionized Water by Electric Spark Discharge Method

In this study, the electric spark discharge method was used to prepare tungsten (W) and tungsten-trioxide (WO3) nanocomposite colloid. A high-energy arc was used to melt a W rod, and the W ions were then ionized with a medium arc to prepare W and WO3 nanocomposite colloid at a high temperature. This preparation method was simple, fast, and effective. The particle size and zeta potential of the samples were measured with a Zetasizer and the shape, size, distribution, and crystal lattice of the W (0.225 nm) and WO3 (0.355 nm) nanoparticles were observed and compared using a Transmission Electron Microscope. The optical properties of the nanocomposite colloids were measured with a UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–Vis). X-ray diffraction and a Raman Spectrometer were used to detect the crystal properties of the W and WO3 nanoparticles. The results showed that the components of the nanocomposite colloid were W and WO3. The average size of the nanoparticles was 79.65 nm and the zeta potential was − 52.5 mV; thus, the W and WO3 nanoparticles had the suspension effect. There was a peak at 320 nm according to UV–Vis, which is the characteristic absorbance of W and WO3.