200 keV Ar⁺ Induced Growth of Silver Nanoparticles in Soda Lime Glass

Abstract

Thin layer of silver nanoparticles was formed few layers below the soda lime glass surface using Na⁺$\leftrightarrow$ Ag⁺ ion-exchange method, followed by Ar⁺ implantation at 30°. Confirmation of synthesis of silver nanoparticles and investigation of sample morphology were carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy and glancing angle X-ray diffraction whereas UV-Visible spectroscopy was utilised for evaluation of various optical parameters like optical energy gap, Urbach’s energy and optical conductivity. The data obtained through UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed that the optical energy gap decreased whereas Urbach’s energy and optical conductivity increased with the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in glass matrix.

Keywords:

• Ion-exchange method
• soda lime glass
• silver nanoparticles

Acknowledgements

The authors feel highly obliged towards Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi for providing appropriate funds for installing Low Energy Ion Accelerator at our institute. We also like to mention the kind support offered by the Director, IUAC for extending FESEM facility, procured under Geochronology project [MoES/P.O. (Seismic)8(09)-Geochron/2012] and CSIR-NPL for GXRD measurements. Sonal acknowledges UGC for Ph.D. fellowship.