Synthesis and characterisation of In(OH)3 and In2O3 nanoparticles by sol-gel and solvothermal methods

Indium hydroxide nanostructures were synthesised by sol-gel and hydrothermal processes from indium acetate and sodium hydroxide as precursors and polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or polydimethylsiloxane as stabilisers. Calcination of the In(OH)3 nanostructures at 500 degrees C in air yielded In2O3 nanoparticles. The morphology, crystallinity and thermal behaviour of the obtained products of each method were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermal gravimetry analysis and differential thermal analysis.