Phase and morphology controllable synthesis of Sb2O3 microcrystals

A simple and facile solution route has been developed for phase and morphology controllable synthesis of antimony trioxide (Sb₂O₃) microcrystals. Orthorhombic phase and cubic phase Sb₂O₃ microcrystals have been selectively synthesized in high yield. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The as-obtained microcrystals exhibited a variety of morphologies and structures, such as microspindles, nanoplates, and octahedra. Several experimental parameters have been investigated to gain morphology control of Sb₂O₃ microcrystals. Based on the time-dependent experimental results, an aggregation, and recrystallization mechanism was proposed to describe the formation process of these novel microstructures.