In2O3 microcrystals obtained from rapid calcination in domestic microwave oven

The simple way to prepare In₂O₃ microcrystals is reported in this paper. The precursor, In(OH)₃ microstructures, were obtained using the Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal (MAH) Method. By annealing as-prepared In(OH)₃ precursor at 500 °C for 5 min in a domestic microwave oven (MO), In₂O₃ microcrystals were prepared, inheriting the morphology of their precursor while still slightly distorted and collapsed due to the In(OH)₃ dehydration process which was studied by thermal analysis. The In(OH)₃ and In₂O₃ were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. These techniques confirm the chemical dehydration of In(OH)₃ and the formation of In₂O₃ powders. The domestic MO promotes a rapid structural organization as compared with a CF (conventional furnace). The MAH method and the subsequent annealing in a domestic MO were shown to be a low cost route for the production of In₂O₃, with the advantages of lower temperature and smaller time.