Ultrathin α‐Mg 2 V 2 O 7 nanosheets: controllable fabrication and their formation mechanism

Alpha‐magnesium vanadate [(α)‐Mg 2 V 2 O 7 ] nanosheets with a uniform diameter and thickness were obtained by a simple hydrothermal method. The characterisations of the as‐synthesised samples were carried out by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy/high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy technology. The reaction time is systematically altered to tune the rational growth direction for a sheet‐like shape. On the basis of the parallel experiments, a ‘dissolution‐recrystallisation’ mechanism is proposed, which is also beneficial for developing novel functional nanostructures of other alkaline vanadates.