Ag–Pt alloy nanoparticles with the compositions in the miscibility gap

Silver platinum binary alloys with compositions between about Ag2Pt98 and Ag95Pt5 at <∼ 400 °C have largely not been observed in bulk due to the large immiscibility between these two metals. We present in this paper that Ag–Pt alloy nanostructures can be made in a broad composition range. The formation of Ag–Pt nanostructures is studied by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). Our results indicate that lattice parameter changes almost linearly with composition in these Ag–Pt nanomaterials. In another word, lattice parameter and composition relationship follows the Vegard's law, which is a strong indication for the formation of metal alloys. Our transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study shows that the silver-rich Ag–Pt alloy nanostructures have spherical shape, while the platinum-rich ones possess wire-like morphology. The stability and crystal phase are investigated by annealing the alloy nanostructures directly or on carbon supports.

While platinum and silver cannot form a solid solution with the composition between about Ag2Pt98 and Ag95Pt5 at 400 °C or below in bulk form, alloy particles and wires can be made within this miscibility gap at the nanometer scale.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide