Synthesis of composition-tunable Pd–Cu alloy nanoparticles by double target sputtering

Abstract

In this work, we introduce a green synthesis technique, double-target sputtering into a liquid polymer – polyethylene glycol (PEG, M. W. = 600), to synthesize palladium–copper (Pd–Cu) alloy nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed in PEG. The composition of Pd and Cu in the alloy NPs can be controlled and varied by applying different sputtering currents for Pd and Cu targets. The particle sizes of the Pd–Cu NPs are maintained in the range of 2.4–2.5 nm for various Pd–Cu compositions. Oxidation issues and crystallinity enhancement are discussed.