Tungsten trioxide #CAS1314-35-8

Tungsten trioxide #CAS1314-35-8

Tungsten trioxide is a chemical compound consisting of oxygen and the transition metal tungsten. It occurs naturally but rarely in the form of hydrates in some kinds of minerals. It has various applications. In industry, it can be used for making x-ray screen phosphors, fireproofing fabrics and gas sensors as well as a pigment in ceramics and paints. It can also be used for the preparation of electrochromic windows or smart windows. In addition, it can be used in semiconductors. It, together with titanium dioxide, has the potential to become an efficient photo-catalyst under visible ligh irradiation. Recent study has shown that mesoporous tungsten trioxide polyaniline nanocomposite can be used as an anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Tungsten trioxide is a bright canary-yellow coloured powder which becomes dark-orange on heating, but regains its bright yellow colour on cooling. A very slight admixture of sodium salt imparts to the oxide a greenish tint which no amount of oxidation can remove (Roscoe). It also becomes greenish on exposure to light. Tungsten trioxide has been obtained in the crystalline state by Debray, by igniting a mixture of tungstate and carbonate of sodium in a current of hydrochloric acid, when the trioxide is obtained in olive-green rectangular prisms which sublime at a white heat. The crystalline trioxide has also been prepared by heating hydrated tungstic acid with borax in a porcelain furnace (Nordenskjold). The specific gravity of tungsten trioxide thus obtained is 6.34.

Application of Tungsten trioxide 

Tungsten trioxide is a thermally stable and water insoluble tungsten compound. Tungsten trioxide andTungsten blue oxides are both used in the production of tungsten metal powders. The greatmajority of metallic tungsten is used to make cemented carbide parts, and theremainder is used in manufacturing components for lighting, electrical, electronic,heating, and welding applications; and in tool steels, alloys, catalysts, pigments, andhigh-temperature lubricants.

It is used in tungsten and tungstate manufacturing which are used as X-ray screens and for fire proofing fabrics. It is used as a ceramic pigment. Nanowires of Tungsten (VI) oxide are capable of absorbing a higher percentage of the sun radiation since it absorbs blue light.

Tungsten oxide (WO3) is used to make tungsten alloys. Tungsten oxide is also used as fireproofing for various surfaces and is used as a yellow pigment in ceramics.