Three dimensional nanowire networks and complex nanostructures of indium oxide

Elongated In2O3 micro- and nanostructures have been grown by two-step thermal treatments of compacted InN powder, at temperatures between 350 and 700°C. Different thermal treatments have been found to induce the growth of structures with different sizes and morphologies as wires, rods, or arrows. The experimental conditions leading to the different structures, as well as the evolution of the structures during the treatments, have been investigated. Some treatments lead to large scale formation of three dimensional networks of the mentioned structures. The mechanism of network formation is discussed. The structures have been characterized by cathodoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction.