Synthesis of metastable hexagonal In2O3 nanocrystals by a precursor-dehydration route under ambient pressure

Single-crystal line metastable In2O3 nanocrystals with size in the range of 5-30nm were, for the first time, synthesized by a precursor-dehydration route at 490degreesC under ambient pressure. The precursor was prepared by a hydrolysis solvothermal reaction using InCl3 (.) 4H(2)O as starting materials and ethylenediamine as solvent in the range of 180-230degreesC. It was found that the precursor had significant effect on the phase composition and phase structure of In2O3. Optical properties of the metastable In2O3 nanocrystals were investigated. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.