B2-structured indium-platinum group metal high-entropy intermetallic nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Inorganic Chemistry

Background:

• High-entropy intermetallic compounds offer unique properties.
• Nanoparticles provide high surface area for catalytic applications.
• Controlling crystal structure in multi-component nanomaterials is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first synthesis of B2-structured indium-platinum group metal high-entropy intermetallic nanoparticles (In-PGM HEI NPs).
• To characterize the unique crystal structure of these novel nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Wet-chemistry synthesis of In-PGM HEI NPs.
• Post-synthesis heat treatment for structural ordering.
• Characterization of crystal structure and composition.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of In-PGM HEI NPs with a B2 crystal structure.
• Observation of a unique coexistence of ordered indium atoms and disordered platinum group metals within the nanoparticles.
• Demonstration of a novel approach to creating complex high-entropy nanomaterials.

Conclusions:

• The developed method enables the synthesis of novel B2-structured In-PGM HEI NPs.
• The unique atomic arrangement in these NPs presents opportunities for advanced material applications.
• This work expands the scope of high-entropy intermetallics into the nanoparticle realm.