Controllable Synthesis of In₂O₃ Nanocubes, Truncated Nanocubes, and Symmetric Multipods

Abstract

A series of novel In2O3 nano/microstructures, namely, nanocubes, truncated nanocubes, and multipods, were controllably synthesized by the thermal evaporation of metallic In grains at 850 °C. The crystalline structure and morphologies of the In2O3 products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The distance between the substrate and the source and the gas flow rate are found to be two important factors in the formation of various structures. The growth mechanism and structural evolution of the obtained In2O3 structures are discussed in detail. The room-temperature photoluminescence reveals that the ratio of the UV emission to visible emission of In2O3 nanoparticles can be enhanced greatly by H2 plasma treatment.