Nanoporous vanadium oxide network prepared by spray pyrolysis

•Preparation is followed by Spray Pyrolysis using ammonium metavanadate as ingredient.•Prepared sample shows nanoporous network like structure.•The band gap of vanadium oxide 2.25 eV.

Interconnected nanoporous vanadium oxide thin films are successfully prepared on glass substrates by spray pyrolysis technique. Deposition was carried out at 673 K using aqueous solution of ammonium metavanadiate by maintaining spray rate at 10 ml/min. prepared samples were characterized by means of structural, optical and morphological characterizations. X-ray diffraction and optical study confirms deposited samples are of orthorhombic crystal structure with 2.25 eV optical band gap. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis shows bonding of vanadium oxide and supports the XRD results. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed the formation of interconnected nanoporous network and nanorods. Nanorods were 10–20 nm wide and 150–200 nm in average length. A supported growth mechanism for their formation is projected.