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The growth of Agl nanoparticles by iodization of Ag1-xSbx thin films under
ambient conditions has been investigated. Mechanically well ground mixtures of
Ag and Sb were thermally evaporated onto microscopic glass slides. They were
subsequently iodized at ambient temperature in the dark and characterized by
XRD, SEM and optical measurements. Preliminary results infer that the addition
of Sb favors the island growth of AgI, but greatly retards the rate of AgI
particle growth, resulting in nanometric sized AgI particles. 5% Sb doped Ag
films with optimal thickness (~ 200 Å) are found to be ideal for the formation
and long term stabilization of γ-Agl thin films. Sb also plays a crucial role
in controlling the exciton formation process.
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