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Insights into nanoparticle shape transformation by energetic ions.
Aleksi A Leino1, Ville E Jantunen2, Pablo Mota-Santiago3,4
1Helsinki Institute of Physics and Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 43, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland. aleksi.leino@helsinki.fi.
Scientific Reports
|April 18, 2023
Summary
Swift heavy ion irradiation elongates gold nanoparticles embedded in silica. Atomistic simulations reveal adhesion-driven growth and matrix-induced elongation, enabling precise nanostructure shaping for optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
Background:
- The shape of embedded nanoparticles influences composite material optical properties.
- Swift heavy ion irradiation is known to modify nanoparticle shape, causing elongation and alignment.
- The precise mechanisms behind nanoparticle shape transformation during irradiation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the elongation mechanism of gold nanoparticles embedded in dielectric matrices using atomistic simulations.
- To elucidate the role of nanoparticle-matrix adhesion and ion impact dynamics in shape modification.
- To provide a deeper understanding for tailoring optical properties of nanocomposite materials.
Main Methods:
- Atomistic simulations focusing on long-timescale processes and nanoparticle-matrix adhesion.
- Explicit simulation of ion impacts around embedded nanoparticles.
- Comparison of simulation results with experimental transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data.
Main Results:
- Simulations demonstrate nanoparticle elongation due to adhesion with the oxide matrix, even after solidification.
- The matrix plays an active role, with ion impacts driving continuous elongation to experimental aspect ratios.
- Experimental TEM micrographs confirm the simulated elongated nanoparticle shapes and interface structures.
Conclusions:
- Adhesion and matrix-mediated effects are key to nanoparticle elongation under ion irradiation.
- Atomistic simulations provide a detailed mechanism for shape modification.
- Ion beam technology offers a precise method for fabricating nanostructures for optical applications.
