Reversible switching between pressure-induced amorphization and thermal-driven recrystallization in VO2(B) nanosheets

Abstract

Pressure-induced amorphization (PIA) and thermal-driven recrystallization have been observed in many crystalline materials. However, controllable switching between PIA and a metastable phase has not been described yet, due to the challenge to establish feasible switching methods to control the pressure and temperature precisely. Here, we demonstrate a reversible switching between PIA and thermally-driven recrystallization of VO2(B) nanosheets. Comprehensive in situ experiments are performed to establish the precise conditions of the reversible phase transformations, which are normally hindered but occur with stimuli beyond the energy barrier. Spectral evidence and theoretical calculations reveal the pressure–structure relationship and the role of flexible VOx polyhedra in the structural switching process. Anomalous resistivity evolution and the participation of spin in the reversible phase transition are observed for the first time. Our findings have significant implications for the design of phase switching devices and the exploration of hidden amorphous materials.

Phase coexistence and pressure-temperature phase evolution of VO2(A) nanorods near the semiconductor-semiconductor transition

“…Hence, VO 2 (A) HP could be another semiconductor with higher n c , which differs from metal significantly. Recently, another polymorph of VO 2 , VO 2 (B) nanosheets, remained semiconducting with poor electrical conductivity before and after the PIA process [37], which supports our observations. Detailed investigations on the local structure of VO 2 by HP x-ray total scattering experiments followed by atomic pair distribution function [12] showed that the V-V 1 dimerization was not suppressed under compression up to 22 GPa.…”

Temperature-induced amorphization in CaCO3 at high pressure and implications for recycled CaCO3 in subduction zones

“…Pressure-induced amorphization is fundamentally interesting in physics, chemistry, material, geoscience, and industrial applications 38,39 . On the other hand, temperature is mainly treated as a crystallization stabilizer.…”

Hydrothermal Synthesis of VO2 Polymorphs: Advantages, Challenges and Prospects for the Application of Energy Efficient Smart Windows

“…VO 2 (B) is the most common phase during hydrothermal, which shows some unusual physical properties under specific pressure and temperature . VO 2 (B) undergoes a structural transition that also arises as a result of a V 4+ –V 4+ dimerization, but the monoclinic space group has no change across the phase transition .…”