Low-dimensional In₂O₃ nanostructures on MgO cubes

We report a successful synthesis of low-dimensional In₂O₃ nanostructures on MgO smoke particles using an innovative fabrication method. By co-combusting indium and magnesium in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, the energy released (heat) upon oxidation of Mg provides the conditions for the simultaneous evaporation of In resulting in the self-organized growth of indium oxide particles with consistent orientation. Notably, we report the stabilization of the typically unstable trigonal In₂O₃ polymorph on edges and corners of MgO cubes. These experimental results align well with the energetics extracted from atomistic models, which offers valuable insights into the thermodynamic factors driving the In₂O₃ stabilization on such less dense MgO terminations. This work marks a significant advancement in multi-metal oxide (MMO) research and nanostructure engineering.