Crystal growth and physical properties of β-NaxV2O5 bronze

The features of sodium oxide vanadate bronze growth from the melt by the Czochralski method are considered. The appearance of the oxidation-induced imperfections in CZ-grown bronze crystals and possibilities to obtain perfect single crystals are discussed. The influence of the growth parameters and the temperature of vacuum annealing on surface morphology and physicochemical parameters of single crystals were estimated. Based on experimental data the temperature interval (20–190 °C) was defined as the condition of reproducible characteristics of β-NaxV2O5, suitable for application of bronze crystals as active STM probe.

► The features of β-NaxV2O5 single crystals growths from the melt are considered.
► The surface relief of single crystal before and after vacuum annealing was studied.
► Thermal dependences of electrical conductivity and expansion coefficients were estimated.
► The temperature range of stable operation of the active STM probe was defined.