Structural, Optical, and Transport Properties of α- and β-Ag3VO4

The structures of alpha- and beta-Ag3VO4 were studied via single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). The transition from alpha-phase to beta-phase was found to occur at 110 degrees C. Single-crystal XRD revealed that the integrity of the single crystals was maintained as Ag3VO4 reversibly transitioned between alpha-Ag3VO4 and beta-Ag3VO4. The optical and electrical properties of polycrystalline alpha-Ag3VO4 were studied by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy. In order to assess the optical and electrical properties of beta-Ag3VO4, in situ measurements were performed above the phase-transition temperature. Thin films of alpha-Ag3VO4 were prepared by combinatorial sputtering and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The crystallographic, optical, and electrical conductivity properties of the alpha-Ag3VO4 thin films were compared with the bulk properties.