Preparation and characterization of silica-coated indium oxide nanoparticles

Silica-coated Indium oxide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a modified reverse microemulsion method and characterized by TEM, XRD, EDS and luminescence spectrometer; the single crystal particles are encapsulated by a smooth and uniform silica shell (average size approximately 35 nm in diameter) and show photoluminescence property. The size of the particles and the thickness of the shells can be controlled by adjust the ratio of the reaction agents. The physical structure and optical property of Indium oxide particles remain same during the silica coating process.