Synthesis and photoelectric properties of V3O7 x H2O and V3O7, nanobelts

V3O7 x H2O nanobelts have been synthesized via a hydrothermal route. Monoclinic V3O7, nanobelts could be obtained by thermal decomposition of V3O7 x H2O nanobelts at 400 degrees C. The synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the V3O7 x H2O is of orthorhombic phase and single crystalline nanobelts with width of 100-500 nm and length up to 100 microm. The formation mechanism of the V3O7 x H2O nanobelts was discussed. Light sensitivity in exposure to a simulated sunlight in different intensity and biases have been investigated on the electrode made from the V3O7 x H2O and V3O7, nanobelts. The results show that the photocurrent intensity of the V3O7 nanobelts is much larger than that of the V3O7 x H2O nanobelts. The fast current response has been observed under alternative control of light on and off at 2 s interval.