Properties of Au/ZnO Nanocomposite Prepared by Laser Irradiation of the Mixture of Individual Colloids

The Au/ZnO nanocomposite formation under laser irradiation of a mixture of the Au and ZnO colloidal suspensions are experimentally investigated. Au and ZnO nanoparticles are obtained by laser ablation of the corresponding metals in water. The changes in optical spectrum and morphology of the Au/ZnO nanocomposite are studied as a function of volumetric ratio of Au and ZnO colloidal suspensions. It became clear by X-ray diffraction pattern that the samples had the polycrystalline structure of Au. The behavior observed by images of transmission electron microscope shows that soldering of Au and ZnO nanoparticles include their adhesion. The plasmon peak in Au/ZnO nanocomposite was red-shifted and broadened in comparison with pure Au nanoparticles. The band gap energy for Au/ZnO nanocomposites is calculated to be 3.15-3.27 eV.