(70ak) Synthesis of Indium-Tin Oxide Nanoparticles by Flame Spray Pyrolysis

Indium-tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles less than 20 nm in average particle diameter were synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis. The effects of precursor concentration and flame temperature on the particle properties were examined. The average particle diameter increased with an increase in the molar concentration of the precursor. Raising the maximum flame temperature by controlling the gas flow rates also led to an increase in the average diameter of the particles. The crystalline ITO nanoparticles were synthesized, and their average primary particle diameters ranged from 11 to 20 nm. ITO thin films were prepared with a sol consisted of the ITO nanoparticles and a polymer binder. Effect of average particle diameter of the ITO nanoparticles on the transparency and the surface resistance of the ITO thin films were measured. With an increase in the average particle diameter of the ITO nanoparticles, the transparency and the surface resistance decreased from 92 to 83% and from 1.0x10⁴ to 0.8x10⁴ Ω/, respectively.