Nanocrystalline silver particles: Synthesis, agglomeration, and sputteringinduced by electron beam

Nanocrystalline silver particles with an average size of 15 nm have been pr epared by reducing Ag(NH3)(2)(+) with N2H4 . H2O, with sodium dodecylbenzen e sulfate (DBS) used as the stabilizing agent. The influence of DBS in the reaction is discussed. When the so-prepared silver particles were observed in situ under a transmission electron microscope, we observed an agglomerat ion and sputtering phenomenon induced by the electron beam. The possible re ason for agglomeration and sputtering is proposed. Silver crystals of hexag onal shape, ranging from 20- to 120-mn in size, were formed on a copper gri d. This phenomenon may offer a useful means of forming small particles. (C) 1999 Academic Press.