Anisotropic growth of in(OH)3 nanocubes to nanorods and nanosheets via a solution-based seed method

In(OH)(3) nanocubes with tunable sizes have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal treatment; subsequently, these nanocubes can be adopted as seeds to fabricate diameter-controllable nanorods via an induced anisotropic growth mechanism. By adjustment of the water/ethanol ratio and removal of PVP from the same reaction system, In(OH)(3) nanosheets, nanobundles, and nanorods with special small diameter (< 5 nm) have been prepared. These parallel experimental results indicate that the nanosheets are formed by oriented attachment of nanorods. The possible formation mechanism of these In(OH)(3) nanostructures has also been discussed.