Effect of metallic Ag growth on the electrical resistance of 3D flower‐like Ag4V2O7 crystals

Abstract In this communication, we report for the first time the nucleation and growth of metallic Ag nanoparticles on the surface of 3D flower‐like Ag 4 V 2 O 7 crystals, induced by accelerated electron beam irradiation. The growth of metallic Ag on the surfaces of Ag 4 V 2 O 7 crystals were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS). According to TEM images and EDXS analyses, exposure to the electron beam induces a reduction process and the growth of metallic Ag nanoparticles on the surface of Ag 4 V 2 O 7 crystals. Moreover, the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry measurements indicated an excess of Ag and V vacancies at Ag 4 V 2 O 7 lattice. Finally, it was observed that the electrical resistance varies considerably with the exposure time to electron beam irradiation.