Controllable synthesis and morphology evolution from two-dimensions to one-dimension of layered K2V6O16·nH2O

Abstract

A two-dimensional (2D) layered K₂V₆O₁₆·2.7H₂O platelike single crystal was successfully synthesized in a short time of 3 h via a simple hydrothermal method. The number of H₂O molecules and the morphology of the layered K₂V₆O₁₆·nH₂O hexavanadate crystal can be easily controlled by adjusting the pH value of the system and the reaction time used for the hydrothermal process. By studying the structure and morphology of hexavanadate samples obtained at different reaction times under acid conditions using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM), it can be concluded that the 2D layered K₂V₆O₁₆·2.7H₂O platelike single crystal hexavanadate gradually evolves into a one-dimensional (1D) layered K₂V₆O₁₆·1.5H₂O fiberlike single crystal hexavanadate during the hydrothermal process as the reaction time is prolonged. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared products was explored.