Photochromic silver nanoparticles fabricated by sputter deposition

In this study a simple route to preparing photochromic silver nanoparticles in a Ti O 2 matrix is presented, which is based upon sputtering and subsequent annealing. The formation of silver nanoparticles with sizes of some tens of nanometers is confirmed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 2005-05, Vol.97 (9), p.094305-094305-6
Main Authors: Okumu, J., Dahmen, C., Sprafke, A. N., Luysberg, M., von Plessen, G., Wuttig, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ABSORPTION
ANNEALING
DEPOSITION
ELECTRO-OPTICAL EFFECTS
ELECTRON TRANSFER
ELECTRONS
IRRADIATION
LASERS
MATERIALS SCIENCE
NANOSTRUCTURES
OXYGEN
PARTICLE SIZE
PARTICLES
RESONANCE
SILVER
SPUTTERING
TITANIUM OXIDES
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
TRAPPING
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
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Summary:In this study a simple route to preparing photochromic silver nanoparticles in a Ti O 2 matrix is presented, which is based upon sputtering and subsequent annealing. The formation of silver nanoparticles with sizes of some tens of nanometers is confirmed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The inhomogeneously broadened particle-plasmon resonance of the nanoparticle ensemble leads to a broad optical-absorption band, whose spectral profile can be tuned by varying the silver load and the annealing temperature. Multicolor photochromic behavior of this Ag - Ti O 2 system upon irradiation with laser light is demonstrated and discussed in terms of a particle-plasmon-assisted electron transfer from the silver nanoparticles to Ti O 2 and subsequent trapping by adsorbed molecular oxygen. The electron depletion in the nanoparticles reduces the light absorption at the wavelength of irradiation. A gradual recovery of the absorption band is observed after irradiation, which is explained with a slow thermal release of electrons from the oxygen trapping centers and subsequent capture into the nanoparticles. The recovery can be accelerated by ultraviolet irradiation; the explanation for this observation is that electrons photoexcited in the Ti O 2 are captured into the nanoparticles and restore the absorption band.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550
DOI:10.1063/1.1888044