Silver clusters on silver sulfide nanocrystals: synthesis and behavior after electron beam irradiation

Nanocomposite crystals, (Ag)(x)(Ag(2)S)(y) with x < y, are synthesized in micellar media. The generation of Ag clusters on Ag(2)S nanocrystals is attributed to the reduction of mobile Ag(+) ions in the Ag(2)S nanocrystals by sulfur derivatives. The proportions in the composite material can be modulated by electron beam irradiation. Using dodecanethiol as surface passivating agent, 2D self-organizations of these nanocomposite crystals are produced.