Controlling the morphology of indium tin oxide using PEG-assisted hydrothermal synthesis

We report the synthesis of indium tin oxide (ITO) powders with varying morphologies using hydrothermal synthesis. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used to promote the formation of non-spherical morphologies. The ratio of PEG to NaOH was found to influence the morphology of the products. Nanocrystalline spheres, cubes, block-like structures, rods, and dendrites were produced in the study. All resultant products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Influential factors on the growth mechanisms of ITO are discussed.