One-step synthesis of centimeter-size alpha-MoO3 with single crystallinity.

Abstract By utilizing the convenient physical vapor deposition procedure, a simple and low-cost synthesis route is developed to fabricate high-quality orthorhombic MoO 3 crystals with single crystallinity and significant size (bigger than 10 mm × 10 mm2). A combined characterization techniques of atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirm the high quality of α-MoO 3 crystal from the point view of both electronic and physical structures. Compared to previous reports in literature, we demonstrate herein a rather simplified one-step approach with only the MoO 3 powder needed. In the end, corresponding electrochromic performance has also been tested which reveals high transmittance and remarkable optical properties which may broadens the potential applications of MoO 3 single crystal in nanosensors, nanoelectronics and so on. Graphical abstract PVD growth of centimeter-size MoO 3 single crystal with appealing properties. Unlabelled Image Highlights • A low-cost simplified approach is demonstrated to fabricate high-quality orthorhombic MoO 3 single crystal with significant size (10×10 mm2). • Layers with a least thickness of 0.7nm and micrometers width have been demonstrated, which is promising to facilitate veritable 2D MoO 3 sheet. • With the potential appealing application, the high performance of synthesized crystals on optical modulation and conductivity has been claimed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]