Optical properties of gold clusters precipitated on zirconia particles

• We have studied precipitation of noble metals with a view to extending these synthetic processes to other metals. In this paper we discuss the synthesis of gold clusters on the surface of oxide fine particles (in the range 60-100 nm). The influence of pH of the solution, the concentration of metal and the reducing agent are discussed. The size distribution of the precipitated gold clusters, determined by transmission electron microscopy, are around 2-10 nm. The interface between the gold clusters and oxide has been investigated by HRTEM. Optical measurements of the zirconia supported gold clusters shows a significant shift in the plasmon resonance. A model based on effective medium theory is proposed taking into account the high refractive index of zirconia.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Nanoteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Nano-technology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Interfaces (materials)

Mathematical models

Optical materials

Optical variables measurement

Particle size analysis

pH effects

Precipitation (chemical)

Refractive index

Synthesis (chemical)

Transmission electron microscopy

Zirconia

Gold clusters

Gold

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)