Analysis of nanoparticles is often challenging especially when they are embedded in a matrix. Hence, we have used laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) to analyze the Au-nanoclusters synthesized in situ using ion beam implantation in single crystal MgO matrix. APT analysis along with scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) indicated that the nanoparticles have an average size ~ 8 - 12 nm. While it is difficult to analyze the composition of individual nanoparticles using STEM, APT analysis can give three dimensional compositions of the same. It was shown that the maximum Au-concentration in the nanoparticles increases with increasing particle size, with a maximum Au-concentration of up to 50%.
Revised: March 11, 2013 |
Published: May 3, 2012
Citation
Kuchibhatla S.N., V. Shutthanandan, T.J. Prosa, P. Adusumilli, B.W. Arey, A. Buxbaum, and A. Buxbaum, et al. 2012.Three-dimensional Chemical Imaging of Embedded Nanoparticles using Atom Probe Tomography.Nanotechnology 23, no. 21:Article No. 215704.PNNL-SA-85299.doi:10.1088/0957-4484/23/21/215704