One-Pot Fabrication of Copper-Doped WO3·H2O Opto-Functional Layered Device using Submerged Photosynthesis of Crystallites

This study introduces a one-pot, submerged photosynthesis of crystallites (SPsC) method for fabricating monohydrate tungstic acid (WO₃·H₂O) nanoplates directly integrated onto a stainless steel mesh, offering a simplified production and enhanced device stability for optical functional applications. The fabricated devices demonstrate exceptional broadband light absorption across the ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), and near-infrared (NIR) ranges. Notably, 1% Cu doping significantly boosts the NIR absorption, yielding a high solar utilization efficiency of 81.40%. In solar water evaporation experiments, the devices exhibit a maximum temperature increase of 13 °C under 1-Sun (100 mW/cm²) illumination, achieving an energy conversion efficiency of 32.5%. Moreover, electrochemical characterization reveals light-induced conductivity changes and enhanced current density, suggesting potential applications in rectifying devices. This versatile and environmentally conscious SPsC fabrication method holds promise for the sustainable development of diverse nanodevices.