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A Programmable Nanoparticle Conversion Pathway to Monodisperse Polyelemental High Entropy Alloy, Intermetallic, and
Nabojit Kar1, Alberto Leonardi2,3, Maximilian McCoy1
1Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|April 21, 2025
Summary
A new nanoparticle conversion strategy enables the synthesis of diverse polyelemental nanoparticles (PE NPs) with controlled structures and compositions. This method utilizes thermal transformation of core-shell precursors, offering a general route to advanced materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Catalysis
Background:
- Polyelemental nanoparticles (PE NPs) possess unique synergistic properties but are challenging to synthesize with controlled structures.
- Existing colloidal synthesis methods offer limited control over complex multi-elemental compositions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile NP conversion strategy for synthesizing various types of PE NPs.
- To investigate the factors governing the mixing states in PE NPs.
- To explore the catalytic potential of engineered PE NP surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Colloidal synthesis of core-shell precursor nanoparticles.
- Thermal transformation of precursor NPs to generate diverse PE NPs (high entropy alloys, intermetallics, Janus).
- Atomistic simulations to study phase stability and mixing thermodynamics.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized various PE NPs, including high entropy alloys, intermetallics, and multiphase Janus structures, from a single precursor type.
- Demonstrated that the final NP mixing state is dictated by the enthalpy-entropy balance.
- Identified intermediate mixing states yielding unique surface ensembles for catalysis.
- Evaluated the synthesized NPs as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Conclusions:
- A novel NP conversion strategy provides a general and controllable route to diverse polyelemental nanoparticles.
- The findings offer fundamental insights into the thermodynamics of mixing in nanomaterials.
- Engineered PE NPs show promise as efficient catalysts, particularly for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
