Shi Irradiation of A III B v Nanoparticles and (Zn)Core /(ZnO)Shell Nanostructures Ion-Beam Synthesized in Silica: Shape Elongation, Enhanced Sputtering and Photoluminescence

Till now, shape elongation phenomenon was observed predominantly for metal nanoparticles irradiated with swift heavy ions (SHI). For the first time, we report the shape elongation of InAs and Zn(core)/ZnO(shell) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a silica matrix and irradiated with swift Xe ions. In case of InAs NPs, SHI irradiation results in the formation of nanorods. A diversity of elongated features is observed for Zn-based NPs: chains of small ZnO clusters, elongated (Zn)core/(ZnO)shell structures and drop-like elongated Zn particles. The intense sputtering of the silicon dioxide layer due to electronic excitations has revealed for “SiO2+Zn-based NPs” composite. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy reveals emission in the visible range for two types of nanocomposites before SHIs irradiation. This emission is attributed to the oxygen excess-related defect (NBOHC) as well as to the oxygen deficiency-related centres created in silica matrix during the implantation of cluster-forming ions (In + As or Zn). The intensive band in the spectral region of 2.8 – 3.1 eV is observed in PL spectrum of annealed “SiO2+InAs NPs” composite. SHI irradiation results in its quenching and formation of an asymmetrical band centred at 1.9 eV. In case of “SiO2+Zn-based NPs” composite, SHIs irradiation results in substantial increase of PL in orange spectral range. The origin of observed emission is discussed.