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Multi-L1(0) domain CoPt and FePt nanoparticles revealed by electron microscopy
1Institut Lumière Matière, UMR5306 Université Lyon 1-CNRS, Université de Lyon, 69622 Villeurbanne cedex, France. florent.tournus@univ-lyon1.fr
Physical Review Letters
|February 19, 2013
Summary
This study reveals that small cobalt-platinum (CoPt) and iron-platinum (FePt) nanoparticles exhibit complex atomic structures with multiple chemical ordering domains. These findings experimentally confirm theoretical predictions for chemically ordered nanostructures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Nanoparticles of cobalt-platinum (CoPt) and iron-platinum (FePt) alloys are crucial for various applications.
- Understanding their atomic structure and chemical ordering is essential for controlling their properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the atomic structure of CoPt and FePt nanoparticles (2-5 nm in diameter).
- To examine the coexistence of crystalline and multiply twinned particles.
- To confirm the presence and stability of multiple L1(0) ordered domains within these nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to analyze nanoparticle structure.
- Particles were synthesized using a laser vaporization cluster source.
- Annealing under vacuum promoted chemical ordering.
Main Results:
- Observed coexistence of crystalline and multiply twinned particles (decahedral/icosahedral shapes) in both CoPt and FePt.
- Demonstrated that small nanoparticles can contain multiple L1(0) ordered domains.
- Showcased preservation of chemical order across twin boundaries, forming complex, multi-domain structures.
Conclusions:
- Experimentally confirmed the stability of complex, chemically ordered nanostructures in CoPt and FePt nanoparticles.
- Provided unambiguous evidence for the existence of multiple L1(0) domains within small nanoparticles.
- Validated theoretical predictions regarding the stability of these intricate atomic arrangements.
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