Construction of three-dimensional models of bimetallic nanoparticles based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy data

Abstract

A new method for constructing three-dimensional models of bimetallic nanoparticles is proposed. This method, which is based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy data on the number and type of nearest neighbors, provides information on the distribution of types of atoms over the nanoparticle volume. The application of the method to the study of the structures of platinum–copper and platinum–silver nanoparticles of metal–carbon electrocatalysts has allowed to distinguish the nanoparticles with a core–shell structure from the nanoparticles with structure of disordered alloy or clusterized solid solution.