Confined clustering of AuCu nanoparticles under ambient conditions

Abstract The study of bimetallic clusters has been increasing in recent years due to the wide range of novel applications, when compared with monometallic nanoparticles This paper presents a simple method of low toxicity to obtain bimetallic nanoparticle clusters of AuCu. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the nanoalloy was located in a value in between those reported for AuNP and CuNP. Raman bands of nanoparticle clusters of AuCu were observed in the range 130-300 cm−1. The structural and optical analysis of the synthesized nanoparticles confirmed the presence of the bond Au-Cu, with a particle size ranging from 1 to 2 nm. The geometries and vibrational modes were predicted for small metallic clusters of Au, Cu and bimetallic AuCu. The AgCu nanoparticles have been recently implemented in glasses to study optical properties, as well as antibacterial applications.