Abstract

We present a systematic survey of unprotected Ag-Au nanoclusters prepared by inert gas aggregation. The clusters are initially fully and homogeneously alloyed, exhibiting icosahedral and decahedral structural motifs. Imaging using scanning transmission electron microscopy indicates that over a period of up to 2 yr, the nanoclusters undergo structural transitions into phase-segregated core-shell and Janus particles with Ag-Au cores and AgxO shells. Larger Janus particles undergo a ripening process which results in division into separate Ag-Au-rich and Ag2O-rich particles. We propose that oxidation of the Ag component and subsequent diffusion of AgxO are responsible for the observed phenomena.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call