Synthesis and characterization of Pt–Pd nanoparticles with core-shell morphology: Nucleation and overgrowth of the Pd shells on the as-prepared and defined Pt seeds

In the present research, Pt–Pd core-shell nanoparticles based on the as-prepared and defined Pt-seed cores with well-controlled size and morphology were synthesized. Their characterizations were investigated by using UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high resolution (HR)TEM measurements. The high resolution elemental mappings were performed in the operation of high angle annular dark field (HAADF) in conjunction with scanning (S)TEM mode and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS). It is found that not only the Pt–Pd core-shell nanoparticles were formed, but also the nucleation, growth, and the separate formation of single Pd nanoparticles as well. Interestingly, the as-prepared Pt cores without the morphological changes were protected by the overgrowths of the Pd shells during the successive reduction of sodium tetrachloropalladate (II) hydrate. There were the co-existence of the Frank–van der Merwe (FM) layer-by-layer and Stranski–Krastanov (SK) island-on-wetting-layer growth modes of the Pd shells on the as-prepared Pt cores. It is predicted that the SK growth became the favorable growth mode in the formation of the Pd shells in the formation Pt–Pd core-shell nanoparticles.

► The Pt–Pd core-shell nanoparticles based on the as-prepared Pt cores are synthesized.
► Not only the Pt–Pd core-shell nanoparticles are formed, but also the separate formation of Pd nanoparticles as well.
► The Pt cores without the morphological changes are protected by the Pd-shell overgrowths.
► There are the co-existence of the layer-by-layer and island-on-wetting-layer growth modes of the Pd shells and the latter becomes the favorable overgrowth in the formation of core-shell structures.