Multicore@shell nanoparticle synthesis from a single multicomponent target by gas aggregation source

Synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials is known as a critical challenge in advanced nanoscience. Multicore@shell nanostructures are generated here via a gas phase synthesis approach. To achieve this objective, we used conventional DC magnetron sputtering in conjunction with a gas aggregation chamber. We employed a customized Au-Ti target to produce metal-metal oxide multicore@shell nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable properties. The deposited NPs were characterized with regard to their chemical composition, morphology, structural status, NP size distribution and optical properties. The obtained data clearly confirms that the crystalline Au cores are encapsulated in a TiOx matrix in each individual NP. Furthermore, the chemical composition and size distribution of the NPs can be affected by the operating pressure. Our approach provides a versatile route with many different possibilities to synthesize multicore@shell NPs from a variety of composite targets for well-desired applications including environmental, optical/plasmonic, and energy.