Comparative study of metal clusters induced in aqueous solutions by γ-rays, electron or C6+ ion beam irradiation

Abstract Metal nanoclusters are induced for the first time by C 6+ ion beam irradiation in aqueous solution. The results concerning monometallic silver and bimetallic gold–platinum systems are compared with those obtained by γ -rays and electron beam irradiation. The effects of linear energy transfer and dose rate on the formation yield, the size and the structure of the clusters are discussed.