Synthesis of nanoparticles in SiO2 by implantation of Cu and Zn ions and their thermal stability in oxygen atmoshphere

Abstract

Cu nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in silica were synthesized by implantation of 45 keV Cu ions at a fluence of 1.01017 cm-2, and then subjected to post irradiation with 50 keV Zn ions at fluences of 0.51017 cm-2 and 1.01017 cm-2, respectively. Zn post ion implantation induced modifications in structures, optical absorption properties of Cu NPs as well as their thermal stability in oxygen ambient have been investigated in detail. Results clearly show that Cu-Zn alloy NPs could be formed in the Cu pre-implanted silica followed by Zn ion irradiation at a fluence of 0.51017 cm-2, which causes an unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption peak at about 516 nm. Subsequent annealing in oxygen atmosphere results in the decomposition of Cu-Zn alloy NPs, at 450 ℃, and thus, ZnO and Cu NPs appear in the substrate. Further increase of annealing temperature to 550 ℃ could transform all the Zn and Cu into ZnO and CuO. Moreover, results also demonstrate that introduction of Zn into SiO2 substrate could effectively suppress the oxidation of Cu NPs, meanwhile, the existence of Cu could promote thermal diffusion of Zn towards substrate surface, which enhances the oxidation of Zn. The underlying mechanism has been discussed.