Abstract
The Indium Oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized through Acacia gum mediated method with the surfactants CTAB (Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide) and SDBS (Sodium Docecyl Benzene Sulfonate). The characterization of the synthesized In2O3 nanoparticles was carried out by XRD, FTIR, RAMAN, TEM, SEM, EDAX, UV-Vis and PL techniques. TG-DTA analysis was performed to know the calcination temperature of In2O3 nanoparticles. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized In2O3 nanoparticles. The morphology and chemical composition were characterized by TEM, SEM and EDAX respectively. It was observed that morphology and size of synthesized nanoparticles measured by TEM and SEM analysis were dependent on the type of capping agent (surfactant) used. Raman and UV-Vis spectral analysis confirmed that the band gap value of CTAB capped In2O3 particles were larger than the SDBS capped In2O3 particles. FTIR analysis indicated that the bands were stretched in In2O3 particles capped by SDBS than by CTAB. From the photoluminescence studies (PL technique), a blue shift in the emission peaks of CTAB and SDBS capped In2O3 particles was observed that indicates larger optical band gap than the bulk.
Highlights
Indium Oxide (In2O3) is an important n-type semiconductor
CTAB and SDBS are considered to enter into In2O3 crystal lattice respectively
The In2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using two capping agents (CTAB and SDBS). They exhibited different particle size and morphology, which were studied from XRD, Figure 6: Room temperature Optical Absorbance Spectra of In2O3 samples capped with (a) UV-Vis absoption spectra of In2O3 samples capped with CTAB and SDBS and (b) CTAB and (c) SDBS
Summary
Indium Oxide (In2O3) is an important n-type semiconductor It has a wide band gap of approximately 3.6eV, shows high transparency in the visible region and excellent electrical conductivity[1]. Semiconductor nanomaterials with a wide band gap have potential applications in nonlinear optics and optoelectronics[2]. It has fascinating properties such as strong interaction between certain poisonous gas molecules and its surfaces[3]. These properties make In2O3, a remarkable material for a variety of applications such as solar cells[4], Liquid Crystal Displays[5], Architectural Glasses[6], Gas Sensors[7], Flat Panel Display[8], and in Photo-catalytic conversions[9]. The properties of nanomaterials depend on the composition of the material and depend on its size and shape which are influenced by the method of synthesis
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