Preparation and physical properties of amorphous V2O5 containing TiO2, Na2O or Li2O

V₂O₅ gels containing up to 18 mol% of TiO₂ were obtained through the simultaneous hydrolysis of alkoxides in ethanol solution. V₂O₅ gels containing Na₂O or Li₂O were obtained through the ion exchange method. The crystallization temperature, T_cr, of the gels increased and the H₂O content of the gels decreased by the addition of TiO₂ or Na₂O. These additives seem to stabilize the amorphous state of the gels. On the other hand, T_cr and the H₂O-content slightly varied with the addition of Li₂O. No ionic polarization was observed in coating films of the gels dried at temperatures below T_cr. The dc conductivity of the films was anisotropic, and increased with the addition of Li₂O or Na₂O. However, it decreased with increasing TiO₂ content. The fiber-like structure of gels was observed by TEM. The gels obtained from alkoxides were thin and short in comparison with the gels obtained through the ion exchange method.