Instant one step synthesis of crystalline nano V2O5 by solution combustion method showing enhanced negative temperature coefficient of resistance

•Nano-size V2O5 is synthesized by a simple one step solution combustion method.•Stable orthorhombic V2O5 forms instantaneously and is highly crystalline.•Addition of surfactant helps to reduce the particle size and agglomeration.•High purity, crystallinity and nano-size leads to high TCR value with low hysteresis effect with a temperature width of 5 °C.

A single phase of orthorhombic nano-vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is produced using a one pot synthesis method of solution combustion process. The yellow-orange colored powder of V2O5 is obtained instantaneously by this method and has elliptical to spherical like morphology of its platelets. A majority of these particles are in the size range of less than 200 nm. As revealed by SAED this simple method of synthesis yields a highly crystalline product with monocrystalline and polycrystalline particles of V2O5 existing in the same matrix. The product shows a negative temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) value of −3.2% °C−1 and a low hysteresis effect with temperature width of 5 °C in response to temperature variations. Such characteristics demonstrate that preparation of V2O5 by this facile method renders it a promising candidate for bolometric applications.

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