Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide- and ethylene glycol-assisted preparation of mono-dispersed indium oxide nanoparticles using hydrothermal method

Abstract

AbstractThe influence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and ethylene glycol on the size and dispersion of indium oxide nanoparticles prepared under hydrothermal conditions was investigated. The precursor compound, indium hydroxide, obtained by the hydrothermal method in the absence as well as the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, was converted to indium oxide by sintering at 400°C. The formation of nanoscale indium oxide upon sintering was ascertained by the characteristic infrared adsorption bands and X-ray diffraction patterns of indium oxide. Transmission electron microscopy and band gap values confirmed that the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide facilitated the formation of indium oxide nanoparticles smaller in size and narrower in distribution than those prepared without the assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.