AgNi alloy nanoparticles embedded SiO2 films: Synthesis and structure

AgNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in SiO2 were prepared by sequentially implantation of 60 keV Ni ions and 70 keV Ag ions at the same fluence of 5.0×1016 cm−2 and post-thermal annealing at 600 °C in Ar atmosphere. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy study showed that the introducing of Ni atoms lead to dual absorption peaks centered at 406 nm and 563 nm. The incorporation of Ni elements in Ag NPs damped SPR absorption intensity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Grazing X-ray diffraction results were consistent with the presence of metallic Ag surrounded by Ni or NiO. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy observations further confirmed the fabrication of AgNi alloy NPs with high volume fraction.