Silver nanocrystals obtained by the ionization of Ag--ions in KCl

This paper discusses the formation of "corals" arranged silver nanocrystals in a KCl matrix starting from Ag- ions ( similar to 10(17) ions/cm(3)) by subsequent thermal annealing at temperatures between 400-700 degrees C and 250 degrees C. In the last case only, by illumination with total radiation of a 100W Xe-lamp, spherical separated silver clusters were obtained. The s tepwise annealing processes were followed by the recording of the optical a bsorption spectra at 20 degrees C. The sizes of silver clusters were determ ined through transmission electron microscopy. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.