Evidence of hexagonal WO3 structure stabilization on mica substrate

WO₃ nanorods are grown by a simple vapor deposition method on a mica substrate and characterized by Selected Area Electron Diffraction and Energy Dispersive X-rays Spectroscopy. Experimental results show the clear evidence of an unexpected WO₃ hexagonal structure as well as an epitaxial growth on the mica substrate. Besides, potassium is evidenced inside the nanorods. It is thus deduced that a metastable WO₃ hexagonal phase is stabilized by epitaxy through a tungsten bronze interlayer having same hexagonal structure.