May 1, 2004
Journal Article

Ion-Beam Synthesis of Epitaxial Au Nanocrystals in MgO

Abstract

The formation of Au nanoclusters in MgO using ion implantation and subsequent annealing has been investigated. Approximately 1200 and 1400 Au2? ions/nm2 were implanted in MgO(100) substrates at 300 and 975 K, respectively. Subsequent annealing in air for 10 hours at 1275 K promoted the formation of Au nanostructures in MgO. The sample implanted at 300 K showed severe radiation damage. In addition, two-dimensional platelet-like structures with possible composition of Au and MgO were formed during implantation in the sample that was implanted at 300 K. In contrast, Au implantation at 975 K promoted the nucleation of Au nanostructures during implantation. Subsequent annealing of both samples show three-dimensional clusters in MgO. However, the 975 K implanted sample shows clean high quality single crystal Au clusters that have an epitaxial relationship to MgO(100).

Revised: July 26, 2004 | Published: May 1, 2004

Citation

Thevuthasan S., V. Shutthanandan, C.M. Wang, W.J. Weber, W. Jiang, A.S. Cavanagh, and J. Lian, et al. 2004. Ion-Beam Synthesis of Epitaxial Au Nanocrystals in MgO. Journal of Materials Research 19, no. 5:1311-1314. PNNL-SA-40583.