Formation of V2O3 nanocrystals by thermal reduction of V2O5 thin films

We report the formation of homogeneous and stable V2O3 nanocrystals, directly from V2O5 thin films, at 600 °C, as observed by using in situ electron microscopy experiments. Thermally-induced reduction of V2O5 thin films in vacuum is remarkably different when compared to reduction of V2O5 single crystals and results in the formation of nanophase V2O3. Thermally grown V2O3 nanocrystals exhibit hexagon or square shape and are stable at higher temperature as well as room temperature. The formation of stable nanocrystals through the reduction process in a non-chemical environment (vacuum) could provide a basis for understanding the complex processes of vanadium oxide phase transitions and for controlling the chemical processes to produce oxide nanocrystals.