Preparation of Sn-doped In2O3 nanopowders by a solvothermal process

Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO) nanopowders in square shape were prepared in ethylene solvent by a solvothermal process, using In (4N) and SnCl45H2O as starting materials. The effects of solvothermal temperature and coprecipitation pH on the products were investigated using XRD, XPS, and TEM. Mixtures of InOOH crystals and In4Sn3O12 crystals were prepared at 210°C or 230°C and ITO nanopowders with cubic structure were obtained at 250°C or above 250°C. When the coprecipitation pH was 6, the product was ITO with impurity Sn3O4. When the pH was 9, the product was single phase ITO.