Ag2WO4 as a multifunctional material: Fundamentals and progress of an extraordinarily versatile semiconductor

Abstract

Silver tungstate (Ag2WO4) based materials are intensively studied because of their unique chemical and physical properties. Ag2WO4 polymorphs present discrete and intrinsically complex architectures due to a multifaceted framework derived from the different local coordination of Ag and W cations. This review starts with an overview of the synthesis of the three existing polymorphs (α, β, and γ) and their structures. Then, the synthesis methods, surface modification, doping process, formation of solid solutions and heterojunctions, involving Ag2WO4, and the effect of electron beam/femtosecond laser irradiation have been exemplified and discussed in detail. Finally, existing challenges and future development are also provided to shed light on the application of highly efficient Ag2WO4-based materials.