Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of V2O5 powders

V2O5 particles were precipitated by the sol-gel method, then subjected to heat treatment. Samples were analyzed using XRD, TGA/DTA, FT-IR, Raman and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. XRD showed an amorphous-like structure of these particles with the beginning of their crystallization, whereas TEM showed their fibrillar morphology. In the FT-IR spectrum of the starting sample, not all bands typical of the crystalline V2O5 spectrum were developed. The Raman spectrum showed all bands Of V2O5, however, with a significant broadening. The fibrillar morphology Of V2O5 particles was disappearing with increase in the heating temperature, and at 600 degreesC, only big particles of irregular shape were obtained. Heating of the starting V2O5 particles in argon atmosphere up to 600 degreesC produced the V3O5. phase as associated with the predominant V2O5 phase. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.