Metal alloy and monoelemental nanoclusters in silica formed by sequential ion implantation and annealing in selected atmosphere

The preparation of metal alloy and monoelemental nanoclusters in silica by Ag, Cu ion sequential implantation and annealing in selected oxidizing or reducing atmosphere is studied. The formation of metastable Ag-Cu alloy is verified in the as-implanted samples by optical absorption spectra, selected area electron diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometer spectrum. The alloy is discomposed at elevated annealing temperature in both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. The different effects of annealing behaviors on the Ag Cu alloy nanoclusters are investigated. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.