Characterising the structure and properties of bimetallic nanoparticles

Chantry, Ruth L. (2013). Characterising the structure and properties of bimetallic nanoparticles. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The work presented in this thesis explores the use of aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (ac-STEM) in characterising the structure and properties of bimetallic nanoparticles. STEM imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) are used to show the influence that reaction kinetics have over the formation of structure in AuRh and AuPd nanorods. Correlated imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) are used to characterise the localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response of single AuPd and AuRh nanorods, showing how ac-STEM can be used to identify the origins of this response. Finally the full range of ac-STEM techniques (imaging, EDX and EELS) are applied to identify the formation of ordered AuAg oxide structures in AuAg nanoparticles that have been aged in air and to show the impact their structural evolution has on LSPR properties. Through this work we show that the unrivalled spatial resolution and range of elementally sensitive techniques available in ac- STEM is essential to the characterisation of bimetallic nanoparticles. The capabilities of these instruments give the possibility to gain a fundamental understanding of the metalmetal interactions taking place in these systems, and thus form connections to the properties that result from them, which is necessary to their effective use in both catalytic and plasmonic applications.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):