Facile synthesis and electrical switching properties of V2O3 powders

V 2 O 3 powders were synthesized with mercaptoacetic acid (C 2 H 4 O 2 S) as reducing agent and stabilizer via a facile hydrothermal approach. The crystalline structure, surface morphology, valence state of the derived V 2 O 3 powders were characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the ratio and reaction time played a duel role in the formation and morphology of the V 2 O 3 powders. The metal-insulator transition properties of V 2 O 3 powders were studied by the differential scanning calorimetry curve and variable temperature Raman spectra. The change in electrical resistance due to the metal-insulator transition was measured from 80 to 240   K using physical property measurement system. The results showed V 2 O 3 samples had excellent electrical switching properties with resistance changes as large as 10 4 . This simple and fast synthesis approach makes the V 2 O 3 powders easily accessible for exploring their fundamental properties and potential applications in novel electronic devices.