Quick synthesis of homogeneous Nb_2O_5 nanorod arrays via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

摘要

Homogeneous nanostructures of Nb2O5 were synthesized rapidly using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Niobium plates were used as raw materials without the addition of corrosive HF nor any directing agent. The composition and morphology of the structures were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis and Raman spectroscopies. The results show that microwave irradiation reduced synthesis time from several days to 2 h. SEM images reveal the formation of structured nanorod arrays at 200 degrees C. The optical band gap of the nanorods suggests a large-gap semiconducting behavior. These results indicate that the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method is a fast and cheaper technique for the production of homogeneous Nb2O5 nanorod arrays. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.