Ultrathin α-Mg2V2O7 nanosheets: controllable fabrication and their formation mechanism

Alpha-magnesium vanadate [(α)-Mg₂V₂O₇] nanosheets with a uniform diameter and thickness were obtained by a simple hydrothermal method. The characterisations of the as-synthesised samples were carried out by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy/high-resolution transmission electron microscopy technology. The reaction time is systematically altered to tune the rational growth direction for a sheet-like shape. On the basis of the parallel experiments, a `dissolution-recrystallisation´ mechanism is proposed, which is also beneficial for developing novel functional nanostructures of other alkaline vanadates.