One-step synthesis of VB2 powder by epoxy-assisted borothermal reduction of V2O5

Vanadium diboride was directly synthesized by borothermal reduction of V₂O₅ with the addition of epoxy resin as a reducing agent for the low-temperature reduction of vanadium(V) to vanadium(IV), which leads to the gradual removal of oxygen by the formation of CO gas. The slow rate of gas release prevents destruction of green body, which usually occurs during conventional borothermal reduction. This makes it possible to directly obtain VB₂ powder with an average particle size of 200–300 nm without need to prepare intermediate lower vanadium oxides.