Synthesis, characterization, and optical properties of AuSe nanoalloys

A solution phase approach to synthesize a new metal-semiconductor nanocomposite, AuSe nanoalloy has been reported. The synthesis has been achieved through UV-photoactivation of preformed Au and Se nanoparticles in micelle. Non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 was exploited as a micellar medium for effective fusion of gold and selenium particles under UV. Both physical and chemical studies have been performed to characterize the composition and morphology of the particles. UV-visible, TEM, SEM, XPS and AFM analyses were done for characterization purpose. The optical properties of nanocomposites have been substantiated through their interaction with a fluorescent probe, eosin in aqueous solution. The spectroscopic investigation of dye-metal-semiconductor assembly has been examined critically. It has been found that the dye experiences J and H types of aggregation on the surfaces of gold and selenium nanoparticles respectively. Again, the composition dependent change of the emission profile of the probe on different nanocomposite surfaces has been rationalized in accordance with the molecular dimerization of the dye.