Au-ZnO: A tunable plasmonic nanocomposite for SERS and switching

In present work we focus on synthesis and properties of Au-ZnO nanocomposite and demonstrate its applications. Au-ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized by atom beam co-sputtering and sequential annealing. Optical absorption studies revealed the tunable surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles. Annealing beyond eutectic temperature resulted in formation of Au-nanoparticles supported by ZnO nanorods as confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Au-ZnO nanocomposite was used to study the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy in fullerene molecule (C₇₀). The Au-ZnO exhibits excellent switching behaviour enabling its potential use in day-today life.