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Sn Galvanic Exchange Enables Creation of Trimetallic Multiphase Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Sarah S Dawes1, Anthony J Branco1, Porvajja Nagarajan1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|March 18, 2026
Summary
Galvanic exchange transforms gold-tin nanoparticles into new trimetallic (Au-Sn-M) materials. This versatile method creates complex nanostructures with tunable optical properties and controlled surface textures.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Background:
- Galvanic exchange is a key method for creating complex nanostructures.
- Non-precious metals enable broader applications in nanoparticle synthesis compared to noble metals.
- Multimetallic nanoparticles offer enhanced properties due to compositional mixing and structural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile strategy for synthesizing trimetallic multiphase alloy-intermetallic nanoparticles.
- To explore the galvanic exchange of tin (Sn) in gold-tin (Au-Sn) nanoparticles with various metal precursors.
- To investigate the impact of galvanic exchange on nanoparticle composition, morphology, optical properties, and crystal structure.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of plasmonic Au-Sn nanoparticles.
- Galvanic exchange reaction using metal precursor solutions (e.g., Pd, Rh, Cu).
- Characterization using synchrotron-based X-ray total scattering pair distribution function analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of trimetallic Au-Sn-M nanoparticles (M = Pd, Rh, Cu) via galvanic exchange.
- Demonstrated tunability of optical properties and surface morphologies.
- Preservation of coexisting alloy and intermetallic crystalline phases and long-range order.
- Quantification of local lattice distortions induced by the exchange process.
Conclusions:
- The developed galvanic exchange strategy offers a versatile route to complex trimetallic nanoparticles.
- The method allows for precise control over composition, structure, and optical properties.
- Synchrotron analysis provides critical insights into nanoscale transformations in multiphase systems.
