Environment-dependent photochromism of silver nanoparticles interfaced with metal-oxide films

- We prepared silver/mental-oxide nanocomposite films by physical sputtering technology to investigate the environment-dependent photo-dissolution of silver nanoparticles.
- We built up an airtight and in situ monitorable system to measure photochromism of different films in various atmospheres.
- Silver nanoparticles were found to be more easily photo-dissolved on the n-type metal oxide films compared with that on the p-type one, conductor and insulator.
- Oxygen and humidity were verified to accelerate the photochromism of silver nanoparticles.