An intermediate phase (NH4)2V4O9 and its effects on the hydrothermal synthesis of VO2 (M) nanoparticles
Abstract
The hydrothermal synthesis of VO2 (M) nanoparticles is commonly considered as a result of the transformation of intermediate phase VO2 (A) or VO2 (B). Here, we found a new intermediate phase (NH4)2V4O9 that appeared in the hydrothermal synthesis and played a crucial role in the formation of VO2 (M) nanoparticles. Then, the mechanism for the transformation of intermediate (NH4)2V4O9 to VO2 (M) was described as a self-assembly–decomposition–nucleation–growth process. Pure crystalline VO2 nanoparticles were ultimately obtained and showed excellent thermochromic properties. The phase-transition temperature Tc of VO2 (M) nanoparticles is approximately 65 °C. Furthermore, VO2 flexible foils on PET at a VO2 solid content of 1.5–2.0% show excellent optical properties with luminous transmittance (Tlum) > 50% and solar energy modulation ability (ΔTsol) > 15%.