Phase transformation of ultrathin nanowires through lanthanide doping: from InOOH to rh-In2O3

The effect of Gd3+ doping is harnessed to promote the phase transformation of ultrathin (2 nm) InOOH nanowires to corundum In2O3 and to stabilize the nanowires against morphological deformation. The approach described here suggests a new route toward morphology and phase control of In2O3 nanocrystals, which could be applied to prepare other nanocrystals.