Structural and vibrational properties of corundum-type In2O3 nanocrystals under compression

Nanotechnology. 2017 May 19;28(20):205701. doi: 10.1088/1361-6528/aa6a3f. Epub 2017 Mar 30.

Abstract

This work reports the structural and vibrational properties of nanocrystals of corundum-type In2O3 (rh-In2O3) at high pressures by using angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements up to 30 GPa. The equation of state and the pressure dependence of the Raman-active modes of the corundum phase in nanocrystals are in good agreement with previous studies on bulk material and theoretical simulations on bulk rh-In2O3. Nanocrystalline rh-In2O3 showed stability under compression at least up to 20 GPa, unlike bulk rh-In2O3 which gradually transforms to the orthorhombic Pbca (Rh2O3-III-type) structure above 12-14 GPa. The different stability range found in nanocrystalline and bulk corundum-type In2O3 is discussed.