Formation of Plasmon–Exciton Nanostructures upon Decorating Ag2S/SiO2 Quantum Dots with Au Nanoparticles.

The formation of plexcitonic nanostructures upon decorating the surface of Ag₂S/SiO₂ quantum dots with small Au nanoparticles (around 2.0 ± 0.5 nm) is confirmed spectroscopically. It is established via IR spectroscopy that two mechanisms which depend on the charge state of the Au nanoparticle surfaces participate in the adsorption of Au nanoparticles on the surfaces of Ag₂S/SiO₂ quantum dots. It is shown that the formation of such nanostructures results in a tenfold increase in the luminescence quantum yield of Ag₂S/SiO₂ quantum dots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]