A low-temperature synthesis of monoclinic VO2 in an atmosphere of air

Abstract

Monoclinic vanadium dioxide (VO₂) particles are prepared via the thermolysis of a vanadyl ethylene glycolate precursor in an atmosphere of air. Monoclinic VO₂ particles can be obtained at temperatures above 170 °C in an oven. The synthetic VO₂ product exhibits high crystallinity and features a pure monoclinic phase and composition. The expected metal–insulator transition at around 68 °C is revealed by differential scanning calorimetry, variable-temperature X-ray diffraction and temperature-dependent resistance curves. The exothermic decomposition of the precursor elevates the temperature of the sample and results in a final sample consisting of monoclinic VO₂ and having a high crystallinity at room temperature.