Synthesis and characterization of Ag doped Cu nanoparticles

The synthesis of Cu100−xAgx (0.05 at.% < x < 0.30 at.%) nanoparticles using an evaporation–condensation process has been studied. Particular attention has been paid to the composition of the as-prepared powders. Compared to the master alloy, systematic enrichment in Ag of the particles is observed at the beginning of the synthesis but a continuous decrease in the Ag content of the powders is observed during the process. Even though, after de-agglomeration, the chemical composition of the powders is, in average, homogeneous. We have shown that optimized synthesis conditions give spherical particles with a mean diameter of 50 nm and a reasonable yield rate.