In situ TEM ion irradiation and implantation effects on Au nanoparticle morphologies.

Energetic heavy and light ion effects on gold nanoparticles were probed by irradiating 20 and 60 nm diameter nanoparticles with either 3 MeV Cu3+ or 10 keV He+ ions in situ inside of a transmission electron microscope. Both ion species caused sintering, agglomeration, and ablation of the nanoparticles via sputtering, although at different rates.