Evolution of silver in a eutectic-based Bi.sub.2O.sub.3-Ag metamaterial

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2017-05, Vol.52 (10), p.5503
• Main Authors: Sadecka, K, Berger, M. H, Orlinski, K, Jozwik, I, Pawlak, D. A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Annealing
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-016-0746-2

The development of novel manufacturing techniques of nano-/micromaterials, especially metallodielectric materials, has enabled dynamic development of such fields as nanoplasmonics. However, the fabrication methods are still mostly based on time-consuming and costly top-down techniques limited to two-dimensional materials. Recently, directional solidification has been proposed and utilized for manufacturing of volumetric nanoplasmonic materials using the example of a Bi.sub.2O.sub.3-Ag eutectic-based nanocomposite. Here, we explain the evolution of silver in this composite, from the crystal growth through the post-growth annealing processes. Investigation with tunneling electron microscopy shows that silver initially enters the composite as an amorphous AgBiO.sub.3 phase, which is formed as a wetting layer between the grains of Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 primary phase. The post-growth annealing leads to decomposition of the amorphous phase into Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 nanocrystals and intergranular Ag nanoparticles, providing the tunable localized surface plasmon resonance at yellow light wavelengths.