Synthesis and characterization of α-Ag₂WO₄ obtained by microwave assisted hydrothermal method

Full text: The silver tungstate ceramics are getting attention due to a variety of applications such as photoluminescence, humidity sensors, scintillator materials, bactericide and fungicide agents [1].It can be found in three phases, and these are usually called: α phase with orthorhombic structure, β phase with hexagonal structure and γ phase with cubic structure [1]. Studies have shown that differences in pH and temperature are decisive for the consolidation of the morphology and phases present in the silver tungstate formed [2]. In this work we describe an experimental study of formation of α-Ag₂WO₄ using ammonium hydroxide such as complexing and considering different times and temperature of synthesis by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The α-Ag₂WO₄ characterization was performed by X-ray power diffraction (DRX), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM). References: [1] G. Thresiamma, J. Sunny, M. Suresh, Synthesis and characterization of nano phased silver tungstate (2005)793. [2] P. M. Skarstad, S. Geller, Modification of Silver Tungstate, v. 10, p. 791-792, 1975. (author)