High-entropy alloy nanoparticles show unique reduction behaviors
Scientific Achievement
Imaging the reaction front of oxidized FeCoNiCuPt high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles in reducing conditions showed reduction occurs primarily at the external HEA surfaces; only Cu was fully reduced to Cu nanoparticles while Fe, Co and Ni remained in their oxidized forms.
Significance and Impact
The reduction behavior of oxidized FeCoNiCuPt HEA nanoparticles in hydrogen was elucidated with in situ gas-cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Such information assists in the design of more reliable catalysts and is applicable to corrosion studies.
Research Details
- In situ chemical analysis monitored the diffusion of Fe, Co, Ni and Cu. An expanded porous structure was observed.
- The JEOL-JEM 2100F TEM and Hummingbird in situ gas-cell holder at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) were utilized.
Work was performed in part at CNM.
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