Sonohydrolysis of In3+ ions:: Formation of needlelike particles of indium hydroxide

This paper describes the formation and characterization of nanosize needle-shaped In(OH)(3) particles. The In(OH)3 nanopowder was prepared via the sonication of an aqueous solution of InCl3 at room temperature and at 0 degrees C. At these temperatures, nonsonicated hydrolysis does not occur. The role of the ultrasound radiation and the mechanism of the reaction is discussed. The proposed mechanism is based on the sonohydrolysis of In(III) ions in the outer ring, and the liquid shell, of the collapsing bubble.