A combined experimental and computational study of AuPd nanoparticles

Bruma, Alina (2013). A combined experimental and computational study of AuPd nanoparticles. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The thesis is focused on the investigation of structural properties of AuPd nanoparticles via theoretical and experimental studies. For the first system, the 98-atom AuPd nanoclusters, a theoretical analysis has been employed to study the energetics and segregation effects and to assess how typical is the Leary Tetrahedron (LT). Although this motif is the most stable at the empirical level, it loses stability at the DFT level against FCC or Marks Decahedron. The second system is the Au24Pd1 nanoclusters. Theoretically, by performing a search at the DFT level using Basin Hopping Monte Carlo, we identified pyramidal cage structures as putative global minima, where Pd sits in the core and Au occupies surface positions. The Löwdin analysis emphasized charge transfer between Pd and Au, explaining the enhanced catalytic activity with respect to Au25 clusters. Experimentally, STEM has been employed for the structural characterization of Au24Pd1 clusters supported on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes. Whenever possible, we have tried to link the experimental analysis to the theoretical findings. The third system has been the evaporated AuPd nanoparticles. We observed that the annealing process led to the formation of L12 ordered phases as well as layered and core-shell structures. This study aimed to bring an insight on the segregation and energetics effects of AuPd nanoparticles with potential applications in nanocatalysis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):