In-situ TEM Observation Of Electron Irradiation Induced Shape Transition Of Elongated Gold Nanoparticles Embedded In Silica

Elongated Au nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in silica matrix were fabricated by 100 MeV Ag ion irradiation of 3 MeV Au ion implanted SiO2/Si(100) substrates, annealed at 1050 o C. Electron-beam-induced shape evolution of elongated Au NPs embedded in SiO2 has been studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Electron beam irradiation resulted in a decrease in the aspect ratio of Au NPs from ~ 1.4 to 1 with increase in irradiation time. The observed ellipsoidal-to-spherical shape transition of Au NPs has been ascribed mainly to the cumulative effects of electron beam induced heating, softening of silica matrix and radiation enhanced diffusion of knock-on displaced O and Si atoms, resulting in local stress relaxation.