VO2(R) nanobelts resulting from the irreversible transformation of VO2(B) nanobelts

Abstract VO2(R) nanobelts were prepared by the irreversible transformation of VO2(B) nanobelts at the elevated temperature. The morphology and size of the VO2(R) nanobelts were dependent on that of the precursor. VO2(B) nanobelts were synthesized by a hydrothermal route, and the process of the VO2(B) nanobelts' formation was also discussed. The product was characterized by a combination of techniques including XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, HRTEM, DTA and FT-IR. The as-obtained VO2(R) nanobelts have a monoclinic structure with a length of 350–600 nm, a wideness of 100–150 nm and a thickness of 20–30 nm.