Abstract
In2O3 nanoparticles with particle sizes of 5-50 nm were synthesized by a simple, cost effective and environmental friendly
route using indium acetylacetonate and Aloe vera plant extracted solution. The precursor was characterized by TG-DTA to
determine the thermal decomposition and crystallization temperature which was found to be at above 350 °C. Nanoparticles
are formed after calcination the dried precursor of In2O3 in air at 400-600°C for 2 h. Structural, morphological and optical
properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized. XRD and TEM analysis showed that the In2O3 samples are
cubic with particle sizes of 5-50 nm. The morphology and size of In2O3 materials were affected by the calcination
temperature. The prepared In2O3 nanoparticles showed a strong PL emission in the UV region. The strong emissions of
In2O3 are attributed to the radioactive recombination of an electron occupying oxygen vacancies with a photo-excited hole.
The present work proves that the Aloe vera plant-extracted solution synthesis is a new useful method using cheap
precursors for preparation of In2O3 nanoparticles.
Keywords
Indium oxide, Nanoparticles, Synthesis, Electron microscopy, Photoluminescence.
Citation
S. MAENSIRI, P. LAOKUL, J. KLINKAEWNARONG, S. PHOKHA, V.PROMARAK, S. SERAPHIN, Indium oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles using Aloe vera plant extract: Synthesis and optical properties, Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials - Rapid Communications, 2, 3, March 2008, pp.161-165 (2008).
Submitted at: Feb. 1, 2008
Accepted at: March 16, 2008