In situ optical microspectroscopy of the growth and oxidation of silver nanoparticles in silica thin films on soda-lime glass

▶ Ag+ ions are formed during heat treatment under Ag/Ag+ equilibrium. ▶ Ions diffuse from SiO2 matrix towards the soda-lime substrate where they stabilize. ▶ Ion sequestration is necessary for displacement of equilibrium towards oxidation.