Au/Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticles via Double-Target Sputtering onto a Liquid Polymer

Langmuir. 2017 Oct 31;33(43):12389-12397. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03194. Epub 2017 Oct 18.

Abstract

Alloy nanoparticles (NPs) of a bimetal system, Au/Cu, that form intermetallic compounds in a bulk state have been successfully produced using a double-target sputtering technique onto a low-cost and biocompatible liquid polymer (polyethylene glycol, PEG). The formation of an Au/Cu solid solution alloy in individual NPs was revealed by scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray elemental mapping analysis. Altering the sputter currents for Au and Cu targets resulted in a tailored NP composition, but the particle sizes did not significantly vary. We found similar structures, sizes, and optical properties of Au/Cu NPs obtained by double-head sputtering on carbon-coated transmission electron microscopy grids or PEG and by Au/Cu alloy target sputtering. Random alloy formation occurred in matrix sputtering using double-target heads. This method is advantageous for manipulating the alloy composition through highly independent control of sputter parameters for each metal target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't