Au and Ag nanoparticles produced by ion implantation in single-crystalline $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the formation of crystalline Ag and Au nanoparticles in single-crystalline $eta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ via ion implantation and annealing, confirmed by structural and optical measurements, opening avenues for advanced applications.

Contribution

It introduces a method to produce ordered metallic nanoparticles within $eta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ using ion implantation and annealing, with detailed structural characterization.

Findings

Nanoparticles formed after annealing at 550°C

Crystalline structure with specific crystallographic relations

Localized surface plasmon resonance observed

Abstract

This work reports the successful formation of Ag and Au nanoparticles in $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ single-crystals by ion implantation and annealing at 550 {\deg}C. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that nanoparticles were formed after the annealing step, presenting a highly-ordered crystalline structure and conforming to a crystallographic relation with respect to the matrix: $\left(0\overline{1}0\right)_\beta \parallel \left(110\right)_{\mathrm{Ag/Au}}$ and $\left[102\right]_\beta \parallel \left[1\overline{1}2\right]_{\mathrm{Ag/Au}}$. The presence of these nanoparticles was also confirmed via absorbance measurements revealing the localised surface plasmon resonance peaks associated with these particles. Considering the multiple advantages and the versatility of metallic nanoparticles, their combination with the exceptional properties of $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ paves the way for a wide range of applications.