Local structural characterization of Au/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles

In this study, we examined the amount-dependent change in morphology for a series of Au/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized using chemical reduction. The Au/Pt molar ratio was varied from 1/1 to 1/4 to synthesize Pt shell layers with different thicknesses. We have obtained that these bimetallic nanoparticles can form flower-like nanoparticles. Moreover, an extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis was used to demonstrate the structure of Au/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles. The EXAFS results confirmed the formation of a core-shell structure and inter-diffusion between Au and Pt atoms. The composition of the shell layer was found to be Pt-enriched Au/Pt alloy.