In situ  investigation of gold nanoclusters growth in polymer matrices
 

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyparaphenylene sulphide (PPS) films were filled with Au nanoclusters
 by co-deposition in a vacuum. PTFE film, filled with Au and dye was deposited for the first time.
Film formation was studied using optical spectroscopy in situ.

At the film growth beginning plasmon band about 480 nm appeared, than it shifted to 520-560 nm,

which is dependent on Au concentration. Au nanocluster diameter is in 2-8 nm range in PTFE matrix.
Treatment with plasma led to formation of smaller, but aggregated Au clusters.
Ellipsometry showed, that the part of clusters are ellipsoids with ratio 1:5.  If PPS was used as a matrix,
the growth kinetics revealed  two stepped mechanism. At the film growth beginning Au clusters with plasmon band
about 600 nm were formed, but with film thickness growth intensity of band at 420 nm grows faster.
The resulting film has most strong band at 420 nm.
Plasma treatment led to formation of  Au aggregates confined with PPS matrix with plasmon band  at 620 nm.