Formation of Crystalline Na2V6O16·3H2O Ribbons into Belts and Rings

Single-crystalline nanobelts and nanorings of Na(2)V(6)O(16)·3H(2)O structures have been facilely synthesized through a direct hydrothermal reaction between NaVO(3) and H(3)PO(4), without the addition of any harmful solvents or surfactants. The analytical techniques of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, high-resolution TEM, and selected-area electron diffraction have been used to characterize the morphology, composition, and structure of the synthesized products. The Na(2)V(6)O(16)·3H(2)O nanobelts are up to several hundreds of micrometers in length and 100-300 nm in thickness, and for nanorings, the diameters are 4.5-6.5 μm. H(3)PO(4) plays a key role in maintaining the pH of the solution as well as producing PO(4)(3-) ions in solution. The chemical reactions and a possible growth mechanism involved in the formation of Na(2)V(6)O(16)·3H(2)O nanobelts and nanorings are briefly discussed.