Precise AuxPt1-x Alloy Nanoparticle Array of Tunable Composition for Catalytic Applications

Abstract

A 3-dimensional Block Copolymer Micellar nanoLithography (BCML) process was used to prepare AuxPt1-x alloy nanoparticles (NPs) monodisperse in size and composition, strongly anchored onto SiO 2 -particles (0.2 wt.% AuxPt1-x/SiO2). The particles possess a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure and their size could be varied from 3-12 nm. We demonstrate the uniformity of the Au/Pt composition by analyzing individual NPs by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The strongly bound AuxPt1-x NPs catalyzed the oxidation of CO with high activity. Thermal ageing experiments in pure CO 2 as well as in ambient atmosphere demonstrated stability of the size distribution for times as long as 22 h.