VO2(B) conversion to VO2(A) and VO2(M) and their oxidation resistance and optical switching properties

Abstract Vanadium dioxide VO2 has been paid in recent years increasing attention because of its various applications, however, its oxidation resistance properties in air atmosphere have rarely been reported. Herein, VO2(B) nanobelts were transformed into VO2(A) and VO2(M) nanobelts by hydrothermal route and calcination treatment, respectively. Then, we comparatively studied the oxidation resistance properties of VO2(B), VO2(A) and VO2(M) nanobelts in air atmosphere by thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). It was found that the nanobelts had good thermal stability and oxidation resistance below 341 °C, 408 °C and 465 °C in air, respectively, indicating that they were stable in air at room temperature. The fierce oxidation of the nanobelts occurred at 426, 507 and 645 °C, respectively. The results showed that the VO2(M) nanobelts had the best thermal stability and oxidation resistance among the others. Furthermore, the phase transition temperatures and optical switching properties of VO2(A) and VO2(M) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and variable temperature infrared spectra. It was found that the VO2(A) and VO2(M) nanobelts had outstanding thermochromic character and optical switching properties.