Synthesis of single-crystal nanoparticles of indium oxide by “urea glass” method and their electrochemical properties

Octahedral nanoparticles of indium oxide have been synthesized using a “urea glass” method, which is relatively simple, low cost and catalyst-free. Further characterization shows the 40 nm indium oxide nanoparticles are single crystals with a smooth surface and truncated tips. The electrochemical properties of the negative electrode using indium oxide nanoparticles as the active material in lithium-ion batteries were also studied. The nanoparticles show a capacity of 1195.8 mAh g−1 at the first discharge and 585.3 mAh g−1 at the second discharge, and the reversible capacity is around 107 mAh g−1 after 20 cycles.

► Single-crystal In2O3 nanoparticles have been synthesized using a “urea glass” method.
► This method is relatively simple, low cost, catalyst-free, easy to scale up, and can be extended to the synthesis of other metal oxide nanoparticles.
► The mechanism for the formation of In2O3 nanoparticles is discussed.
► The In2O3 nanoparticles can be used as the active material in lithium-ion batteries.