VO2 nanorods for efficient performance in thermal fluids and sensors

Abstract

VO₂ (B) nanorods with average width ranging between 50–100 nm are synthesized via a hydrothermal method and the post hydrothermal treatment drying temperature is found to be influential in their overall phase and growth morphology evolution. The nanorods with unusually high optical bandgap for a VO₂ material are effective in enhancing the thermal performance of ethylene glycol nanofluids over a wide temperature range as is indicated by the temperature dependent thermal conductivity measurements. Humidity and LPG sensors fabricated using the VO₂ (B) nanorods bear testament to their efficient sensing performance, which can be partially attributed to the mesoporous nature of the nanorods.