Large scale synthesis of nearly monodisperse, variable-shaped In2O3 nanocrystals via a one-pot pyrolysis reaction

An indium stearate precursor was synthesized using a reaction between molten indium and molten stearic acid under a nitrogen atmosphere at 260 degrees C for 3 h. Nearly monodisperse deltoidal icositetrahedral (DITH) and octahedral indium oxide nanocrystals were synthesized for the first time via the pyrolysis of the precursor at different pyrolysis temperatures. It was observed that, as an ionic agent, indium chloride played a key role in the synthesis of the cubic indium oxide nanocrystals. Addition of glycerol into the pyrolysis reaction of the precursor resulted in flowery indium oxide crystals with a 3D oriented attachment structure. In addition, the effects of concentration, chain length and type of additives on the formation of variable-shaped In2O3 nanocrystals were systematically studied. The optical properties, including the UV absorption and PL emission behaviors, of these In2O3 nanocrystals were also investigated.