Double target sputtering into liquid: A new approach for preparation of Ag–Au alloy nanoparticles

Abstract A new approach using double target sputtering into liquid is proposed to synthesize Ag–Au alloy nanoparticles (NPs). The results reveal the formation of Ag–Au solid solution alloy as individual NPs. Variation of the applied target current allows fine tuning of the NP composition, and, therefore, variation of optical properties of the alloy NPs. The method offers highly independent control of sputter parameters for each metal target, thereby allowing manipulation of the NP composition, size and optical properties.