Size and alloying induced changes in lattice constant, core, and valance band binding energy in Pd-Ag, Pd, and Ag nanoparticles: Effect of in-flight sintering temperature.

In the present study, we report the growth of size selected Pd, Ag, and Pd-Ag alloy nanoparticles by an integrated method comprising of the gas phase synthesis, electrical mobility size selection, and in-flight sintering steps. Effect of temperature during in-flight sintering on nanoparticle size, crystal structure, and electronic properties has been studied. XRD studies show lattice expansion in Pd and Ag nanoparticles and lattice contraction in Pd-Ag alloy nanoparticles on increasing the sintering temperatures. In case of Pd and Ag nanoparticles, size induced changes in lattice constants are consistent with the changes in the binding energy positions with respect to bulk values. In case of Pd-Ag alloy nanoparticles, change in nanoparticle size and composition on sintering affect the lattice constant and binding energy positions. Large changes in Pd4d valance band centroid in Pd-Ag nanoparticles are due to size and alloying effects. The results of this study are important for understanding the correlation between electronic properties and Pd-H interaction in Pd alloy nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]