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

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