Nobel Ag–Cu ion-exchange bimetallic nanoclusters formation over gold ion (Au2+) implanted materials RBS and optical study

Abstract

The ion-exchange from molten salts is a well-established, low-cost technology capable of altering the chemical–physical properties of glass materials. Technologically driven some glass materials containing metal clusters have attracted quite attention both in cluster research and in possible futuristic applications of such nanoclusters for magnetic or optoelectronic purposes. The amalgamation of transparency and hardness at ambient temperature, combined with a suitable mechanical forte and excellent chemical strength, makes this material essential for many applications in different potential technological fields (such as, for instance, the optical fibers which constitute the physical carrier for high-speed communication networks as well as the transducer for a wide range of high-performance sensors, transparency biomarker etc). In this regard, the formation of bimetallic alloys and core–shell nanostructures inside a soda-lime glass was prepared by simple ion-exchange methods and subjected to optical absorption (OA) studies. Further, an attempt has been made for the first time by a novel route for the synthesis of bimetallic nanoclusters, gold in various doses was directly implanted in a plain soda-lime glass as well as in a copper and silver ion-exchanged soda-lime glass using the tandem accelerator anticipating the core–shell or alloys phase between the metal species. Also, the post implanted gold (Au+) metal ions were investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) analysis was performed on the Cu and Ag ion-exchanged samples to confirm the presence of bimetallic clusters formed by ion-exchange during implantation.