Facile routes to In2S3 and In2O3 hierarchical nanostructures

Without the assistance of any template and surfactant, In2S3 microspheres constructed with nanoflakes or nanoparticles were controllably synthesized via the hydrothermal reaction of InCl3·4H2O and Na2S2O3·5H2O in 6.25 vol.% acetic acid aqueous solution (pH = 3) at 150–180 °C for 6–24 h. The nanostructured In2S3 can be completely transformed into In2O3 when subjected to calcination in air at 600–700 °C for 5 h. The In2O3 produced at 600 °C consisted of microspheres built up with the nanoparticles of 20–30 nm in diameter. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electronic microscope, Raman and photoluminescence spectra have been used to characterize the structures, compositions and optical properties of the obtained products.