Formation, photoluminescence and charge storage characteristics of Au nanocrystals embedded in amorphous Al2O3 matrix

Abstract

A method to fabricate Au nanocrystals embedded in amorphous Al2O3 matrix has been developed. The formation of spherically shaped Au nanocrystals has been observed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The Au nanocrystals size distribution is narrow and the average diameters are approximately 5 nm. The photoluminescence and charge storage characteristics of Au nanocrystals embedded in amorphous Al2O3 matrix were investigated. A relatively intense visible photoluminescence was exhibited in the small Au nanocrystals. Good performances in terms of large memory window were also observed.