Silver clusters on silver sulfide nanocrystals: Synthesis and behavior after electron beam irradiation

Nanocomposite crystals, (Ag)(x)(Ag2S)y with x < y, are synthesized in micellar media. The generation of Ag clusters on Ag2S nanocrystals is attributed to the reduction of mobile Ag+ ions in the A92S nanocrystals by sulfur derivatives. The proportions in the composite material can be modulated by electron beam irradiation. Using dodecanethiol as surface passivating agent, 2D self-organizations of these nanocomposite crystals are produced.