Fabrication of Nb2O5 nanotrees with controlled branching degrees

Tree-like Nb2O5 nanostructures (nanotrees) can be fabricated in a highly controlled way, which involves the secondary nucleation of Nb2O5 nanowires under hydrothermal conditions. This bottom-up method can effectively control the branching degrees of these nanotrees by manipulating reaction parameters. XRD, SEM and TEM have been used to analyze current products, and the samples have continuous crystalline phases throughout the complex tree-like structures. UV-Vis adsorption spectra have also been obtained, indicating that the optical property of these nanotrees can be influenced by their branching degrees. The controlled growth method herein has good potential as a generic means of forming complex branching structures, and may also offer opportunities for important applications such as sensors and photocatalysts.