Evolution of silver in a eutectic-based Bi2O3–Ag metamaterial

K. Sadecka (1) , Marie-Hélène Berger (2) , K. Orlinski (1) , I. Jozwik (1) , D. A. Pawlak (1, 3)

1 Institute of Electronic Materials Technology
2 CDM - Centre des Matériaux
3 UW - University of Warsaw

The development of novel manufacturing techniques of nano-/micromaterials, especially metallodielectric materials, has enabled dynamic development of such fields as nanoplasmonics. However, the fabrication methods are still mostly based on time-consuming and costly top-down techniques limited to two-dimensional materials. Recently, directional solidification has been proposed and utilized for manufacturing of volumetric nanoplasmonic materials using the example of a Bi2O3–Ag eutectic-based nanocomposite. Here, we explain the evolution of silver in this composite, from the crystal growth through the post-growth annealing processes. Investigation with tunneling electron microscopy shows that silver initially enters the composite as an amorphous AgBiO3 phase, which is formed as a wetting layer between the grains of Bi2O3 primary phase. The post-growth annealing leads to decomposition of the amorphous phase into Bi2O3 nanocrystals and intergranular Ag nanoparticles, providing the tunable localized surface plasmon resonance at yellow light wavelengths.

Domaines: Science des matériaux [cond-mat.mtrl-sci]

K. Sadecka, Marie-Hélène Berger, K. Orlinski, I. Jozwik, D. A. Pawlak. Evolution of silver in a eutectic-based Bi2O3–Ag metamaterial. Journal of Materials Science, 2017, 52 (10), pp.5503-5510. ⟨10.1007/s10853-016-0746-2⟩. ⟨hal-01504431⟩