Ion irradiation induced evolution of nanostructure in a graded multi-trilayer system

► Ion irradiation induced modifications in Pt/Ni/C multi-trilayers. ► Analysis by X-ray reflectivity, X-ray standing wave and transmission electron microscopy techniques. ► Ion irradiation causes complete Pt-Ni mixing at high ion fluence. ► At high ion fluence Pt-Ni nanoparticles embedded in a C matrix are formed.