Synthesis and characterisation of Zn–Sn–In–O quaternary nanostructure system

This paper reports the synthesis and characterisation of a quaternary nanostructure system of Zn–Sn–In–O. This quaternary system has been synthesised using the vapour thermal method. Three distinct shapes of nanostructures out of this quaternary system were obtained. All three elements formed their own oxide nanostructures according to SEM observation. The effect of segregation among these three materials seemed to dominate and influence the growth process, which caused separative growth of three different nanostructures. The hierarchical growth of the nanostructures on top of each other could also be observed in the SEM images. The presence of all the elements was confirmed using EDX. The X-ray diffraction results proved and revealed the high crystallinity of these nanostructures.