Synthesis of In(OH)(3) and In(2)O(3) nanomaterials incorporating Au

Abstract

In(OH)(3) and In(2)O(3) nanocrystals of rectangular shape and incorporating Au were synthesized with a hydrothermal process and thermal decomposition. Powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy studies reveal that elemental Au nanoparticles are dispersed on the surface of In(OH)(3) rectangular nanocrystals and incorporated into In(2)O(3) nanoporous particles. UV-vis spectral measurements reveal a surface-enchanced plasma band near lambda 532 nm for both Au-incorporating nanomaterials. The BET surface areas of Au-incorporating In(OH)(3) and In(2)O(3) are 26.2 and 35.5 m(2)/g, respectively. The incorporation of elemental Au in In(OH)(3) and In(2)O(3) nanomaterials is attractive for sensor, catalyst and solar-cell applications.