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Direct and continuous synthesis of VO2 nanoparticles.
M J Powell1, P Marchand, C J Denis
1University College London, Department of Chemistry, Materials Chemistry Centre, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK. i.p.parkin@ucl.ac.uk.
Nanoscale
|October 27, 2015
Summary
This study presents a novel two-step synthesis for monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles using Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis (CHFS). This method yields tunable particle sizes and thermochromic properties suitable for architectural applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles are valuable for thermochromic applications.
- Conventional synthesis methods for VO2 nanoparticles often require high temperatures or extended reaction times, limiting accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient two-step synthesis route for monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles.
- To control particle size and morphology through Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis (CHFS).
- To investigate the thermochromic properties of the synthesized VO2 nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis (CHFS) followed by a short post-synthesis heat treatment.
- Varied reaction temperatures and residence times to control particle size (50-200 nm).
- Characterized nanoparticles using powder X-ray diffraction, Raman, UV/Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, and DSC.
Main Results:
- Achieved highly crystalline monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles with tunable sizes (50-200 nm) and diverse morphologies (rods and spheres).
- Demonstrated uniform powder surfaces from the CHFS process.
- Observed a large, reversible switch in near-infrared optical properties after post-synthesis heat treatment, confirming phase purity.
Conclusions:
- The developed two-step CHFS method provides an accessible route to monoclinic VO2 nanoparticles.
- The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit promising thermochromic properties for potential use in smart coatings and composites.
- Applications include energy-efficient architectural fenestration and optical switching devices.
