Generation of Nanoparticles with Adjustable Size and Controlled Stoichiometry

What is it about?

We have presented a bottom-up route for the generation of nanoparticles. The method is based on a modified design of the ion cluster source where the single 2 in. magnetron has been replaced by three small magnetrons. It is shown that the individual control of the working parameters of the magnetrons allows the fabrication of nanoparticles with adjustable chemical composition. In particular, we have grown and characterized a series of high-purity bimetallic (Au−Ag) and trimetallic (Au− Ag−Pd) nanoparticles with controlled stoichiometry. The XPS data clearly show that the nanoparticles are made of AuAg or AgAuPd alloys with tunable stoichiometry while the HRTEM results show that the elements are homogeneously distributed over the nanoparticles.

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Why is it important?

This first time that the Multiple Ion Cluster Source approach has been presented.