Effects of swift heavy ion irradiation on the InAs and Zn-based nanoparticles ion-beam synthesized in silica

Abstract

Till now, a shape elongation effect under swift heavy ions (SHI) irradiation was observed predominantly for metal nanoparticles (NPs). We report this effect for InAs and Zn(core)/ZnO(shell) NPs embedded in silica matrix. In case of InAs NPs, SHI irradiation results in the formation of nanorods. A diversity of elongated features is observed for Zn-based NPs: chains of small ZnO clusters, elongated (Zn)core/(ZnO)shell structures and drop-like elongated Zn particles. The intense silica sputtering due to electronic excitations has been found for the “SiO2 + Zn-based NPs” composite. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy reveals an emission in the visible range for both nanocomposites before SHI irradiation. This emission is attributed to the oxygen excess-related defect (NBOHC) as well as to the oxygen deficiency-related centres created in silica matrix during the implantation of cluster-forming ions (In + As or Zn). An intensive band in the spectral region of 2.8–3.1 eV is observed in PL spectrum of annealed “SiO2 + InAs NPs” composite. SHI irradiation results in its quenching and formation of an asymmetrical band centred at 1.9 eV. In case of “SiO2 + Zn-based NPs”, SHIs irradiation results in substantial increase of PL in orange spectral range.