Synthesis and Growth Kinetics of Monodispersive Indium Hydrate Particles

Nano‐ or submicron In(OH)3 and In2O3 particles of different morphologies were synthesized from a nitrate solution by a homogeneous precipitation process. By using X‐ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry, the properties of particle growth were analyzed. The results indicated that the kinetics of the hydrolysis reaction of In3+ was a zero‐order reaction with an activation energy of 128 kJ/mol, which implied that the reaction was controlled by the decomposition kinetic of urea additive. The growth anisotropic of particles, pH value of reaction solutions, residual In3+ concentration relative to aging time with different temperatures and starting concentrations were reported in this study. Calcination of the hydrate to form In2O3 particles between 300° and 900°C did not greatly change the morphologies of the particles.