A low-temperature route to InP nanocrystals

Nanocrystalline InP was prepared at temperatures of 80-160 degrees C through a novel route: 4InCl(3) + 12KBH(4) + P-4<(en)under right arrow>4InP. Mean crystallite dimensions of 11.3-20 nm were determined from X-ray powder diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the products were 15-20 nm spherical grains when prepared at 120 degrees C and 150 x 1500 nm rod-like grains at 160 degrees C. The reaction proceeds through a metallic indium intermediate and a solution-liquid-solid mechanism is proposed for the one-dimensional growth. The products were also investigated by UV/vis absorption, photoluminescence, Fourier-transform IR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.