Preparation and structural characterization of CuNi nanoalloys obtained by polymeric precursor method

Bimetallic CuxNi100−x nanoalloys (x=20, 40, 50, 60 and 80) were prepared by the polymeric precursor method using citric acid as chelating agent and ethylene glycol as polymerizing agent. CuNi nanoalloys were obtained after calcination in H2/N2 atmosphere at 600 °C for 15 min. The different products were characterized by thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic absorption analysis (AAS). The XRD patterns show the formation of a single fcc structure, characteristic of well crystalline CuNi nanoalloys. TEM studies show nearly spherical nanoparticles with average size of 45 nm.

► CuNi nanoalloys were prepared by the polymeric precursor method.
► CuNi nanoalloys have a spherical shape with sizes between 25 – 70 nm.
► The nanoalloys formation was confirmed by the expansion of the crystal lattice.
► This method is quick, simple and effective for the preparation of nanoalloys.