Synthesis and sintering of indium tin oxide nanoparticles by citrate-nitrate combustion method

Spherical indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles were synthesized by combustion method using citric acid as fuel and nitrates as oxidizer. The obtained ITO nanoparticles were characterized by TG-DSC, FT-IR, XRD, BET, TEM, and SEM. The ITO nanoparticles grew steadily with the increase of heat treatment temperature, and the 700 degrees C calcined particles had a crystallite size of 25.3 nm and a specific surface area of 26.1 m(2).g(-1). The avoidance of chlorine ions in the synthesis process decreases particle agglomeration and promotes powder densification. The 900 degrees C sintered pellet had a density of 67.6% of theoretical density (TD) and increased steadily to 97.3% for the 1400 degrees C sintered ceramics, respectively.