Indium doping in nanostructured ZnO through low-temperature hydrothermal process

ZnO nanostructures of rod-like morphology were synthesized through a low-temperature hydrothermal process. Incorporation of indium in the nanostructures during synthesis was not successful due to the formation of In(OH)3 phase. A post-deposition thermal annealing process in inert atmosphere resulted effective for the dissociation of In(OH)3 phase and doping of indium into the nanostructures. Effect of indium doping on the structure, morphology and optical absorption of the nanostructures are studied. Beyond a certain concentration, the incorporated indium form phase separated oxide instead of being doped. Incorporated indium occupy the zinc sites in the nanostructures.