Template-free facile preparation of monoclinic WO3 nanoplates and their high photocatalytic activities.

Highlights: [•] Photocatalytic activity of the WO3 nanoplates is much higher than commercial WO3. [•] OH is proved the active species responsible for photocatalytic reactions over WO3. [•] The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of the WO3 nanoplates is confirmed. [•] The template-free hydrothermal route is facile, cost effective and can be scaled up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]