Evolution of thiol-capped gold nanoclusters into larger gold nanoparticles under electron beam irradiation.

We report in situ transformation of glutathione-capped red-fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) into larger gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) embedded on a copper grid under high energy electron beam of Field Emission Gun Transmission Electron Microscope (FEG-TEM). Electron beam irradiation causes coalescing of individual finer AuNCs into bigger discrete AuNPs as a function of electron dose rate and time. The coalescence was closely studied over time and the mechanism is discussed. The study will help to understand the structural and morphological changes that occur in AuNCs inside FEG-TEM due to prolonged electron beam exposure.