Correlation between Raman spectra and color of tungsten trioxide (WO3) thermally evaporated from a tungsten filament

The color exhibited by tungsten trioxide (WO3) can be associated with both its stoichiometry and crystallinity. Correlation between the color exhibited by WO3 powders and their purity and crystalline properties is reported in this paper. The WO3 powders were deposited by evaporation of tungsten trioxide from the surface of a tungsten filament. The WO3 powders exhibited three different shades of blue: navy, royal, and sky. The color of the WO3 powders changed to white after thermal treatment at 500 °C for 30 min in an ambient atmosphere. Raman analyses showed that transition from amorphous to crystalline WO3 started when the powders exhibited navy-blue color and ended when WO3 powders exhibited a white color. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed particle agglomeration characteristics in all WO3 powders, even after they were thermally treated. The mechanism of deposition of WO3 from the tungsten filament was suggested to be governed by thermal evaporation of tungsten trioxide from the surface of the oxidized tungsten filament.