Size- and surface-determined transformations: from ultrathin InOOH nanowires to uniform c-In2O3 nanocubes and rh-In2O3 nanowires.

Ultrathin InOOH nanowires with a diameter of approximately 2 nm and a length up to approximately 200 nm have been synthesized by a hydrolysis reaction in a solution system. Their transformations to c-In(2)O(3) nanocrystals and rh-In(2)O(3) nanowires have been investigated. A dissolution-recrystallization (in solution) or size-related decomposition-recrystallization (in air) mechanism is indicated for the former transformation; the size- and surface-determined transformation is proposed for the latter. These results will help to understand and control the phase stability and transformation concerning the nanodimension and surface restrictions, especially for ultrathin nanowires.