Low temperature synthesis of Ru–Cu alloy nanoparticles with the compositions in the miscibility gap

•We synthesized new precursor of CuRu metastable nanoalloys.•Thermal properties of the prepared salt were examined in different atmospheres.•Thermodestruction mechanism of precursor are studied.•Cu0.12Ru0.88 nanoalloy with the compositions in the miscibility gap is obtained.•Catalytic conversion of CO on copper–ruthenium oxide composite were examined.

A complex salt [Ru(NH3)5Cl][Cu(C2O4)2H2O]—the precursor of nanoalloys combining ruthenium and copper was prepared. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n. Thermal properties of the prepared salt were examined in different atmospheres (helium, hydrogen, oxygen). Thermal decomposition of the precursor in inert atmosphere was thoroughly examined and the intermediate products were characterized. Experimental conditions for preparation of copper-rich (up to 12 at% of copper) metastable solid solution CuxRu1−x (based on Ru structure) were optimized, what is in sharp contrast to the bimetallic miscibility gap known for the bulk counterparts in a wide composition range. Catalytic properties of copper–ruthenium oxide composite were tested in catalytic oxidation of CO.

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