Systematic investigation on quad-metallic AgAuPdPt and tri-metallic AuPdPt NPs through the solid-state dewetting of quad-layer Ag/Au/Pd/Pt thin films on c-plane sapphire

Multi-metallic alloy nanoparticles (MNPs) can offer valuable opportunities to meet the various demands of applications. MNPs consist of various noble metallic elements can combine diverse electronic, optical and catalytic properties in a single NP configuration, thus taking the advantage of each element. In this paper, the fabrication of tri- and quad- metallic alloy NPs with noble elements (Ag, Au, Pd and Pt) and the corresponding localized surface plasmon resonance (LPSR) properties are systematically demonstrated. Tri- and quad-metallic alloy NPs come in various size and configurations by the solid-state dewetting of Ag/Au/Pd/Pt quad-layers on sapphire (0001). Tri-metallic AuPdPt NPs are demonstrated by the systematic control of growth temperature along with the significant Ag atom sublimation. Strongly enhanced and tunable LPSR is exerted in the UV-VIS regions depending upon the size, configuration, spacing and elemental composition of the MNPs. The size dependent LSPR response of MNPs is discussed based on the absorption and scattering along with the excitation of dipolar, quadrupolar, high order and multipolar resonance modes. The MNPs exhibit much stronger and dynamic LSPR bands as compared with the monometallic Pt and Pd NPs with the comparable size and configurations.