SbVO4 nanoparticles synthesized via three facile one-pot methods: controllable morphologies and superhydrophobic coatings

Inert colloidal SbVO with special morphologies is promising for practical superhydrophobic coatings. However, its conventional synthesis suffers from harsh preparation conditions, limiting the material applications. Herein, by using KVO·9HO as a novel vanadium source, SbVO nanoparticles were prepared through three different facile methods: hydrothermal method, reflux method and ultrasonic method. The pH values of the reaction environment were tuned as the only variable to shape the final products. Colloidal morphologies can be engineered to microflakes, or amalgamations of nanoparticles. Drop-casting glasses with the as-synthesized samples will lead to surface superhydrophobicity under basic, neutral, and acidic conditions. Static contact angle of as-coated film can reach above 160° and be durable even under salt solution of different pH values. Besides creating anticorrosive and hydrophobic coating materials, these facile synthesis routes may also facilitate large-scale manufacture of similar chemicals for practical applications.