We introduce a new approach for generating vanadium pentoxide V2O5 nanoparticles via helium droplet synthesis and evaporation from the bulk. Time-of-flight mass spectroscopy clearly demonstrates the preservation of the bulk ratio of vanadium to oxygen and indicates that vanadium oxide sublimates in groups of two or more V2O5 units. This unexpected finding opens new possibilities for the in situ coating of metallic nanoparticles with a metal oxide of high industrial relevance, as metal clusters can be synthesized simultaneously with the same experimental technique via a sequential pickup. Additionally, this setup is providing new insights into undesired processes of catalyst loss through sublimation. In comparison to mass spectra obtained via direct ionization of vanadium oxide in an effusive beam, where strong fragmentation occurs, the indirect ionization process facilitated by the helium droplet environment is very soft and typical issues of fragmentation are greatly supressed. This way, less biased information on the actual sublimation process is obtained. We find that the mass spectra of intact gas phase particles are dominated by (V2O5)n oligomers with even n, indicating a preferred sublimation in units of (V2O5)2. Furthermore, additional characterizations based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies are performed on V2O5 clusters after deposition on amorphous carbon. UV-vis spectroscopy in combination with the TEM experiments allows for a determination of the oxidation state of the clusters, which turns out to be preserved during the entire synthesis process from sublimation and agglomeration to deposition onto the substrate.

New route to the synthesis of vanadium pentoxide nanostructures under fully inert conditions

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.