Spontaneous atom mixing and unmixing in metallic nanoparticles

Abstract
The behaviour of atom mixing and unmixing in metallic nanoparticles has been studied in situ by transmission electron microscopy, using particles in the Au2Pb-Sn system. It is confirmed that not only spontaneous mixing but also spontaneous unmixing take place in Au2Pb particles. At room temperature, spontaneous mixing of tin atoms into Au2Pb particles takes place, and this mixing induces unmixing of lead from Au2Pb, resulting in the formation of AuSn particles accompanied by lead precipitates.

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