The synthesis and characterization of PdCu bimetallic nanoparticles and Pd and Cu monometallic nanoparticles, consisting of an average of ~64 atoms, is described. The bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared by cocomplexation of Pd~(2+) and Cu~(2+) to interior functional groups of a sixth-generation poly-(amidoamine) dendrimer template, followed by chemical reduction to yield dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs). Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy indicates that the particles have an alloy structure. TEM studies indicate particle diameters of 1.2-1.3 nm. This is a rare example of a stable nanoparticle in this size range that consists of one reactive metal and one substantially more noble metal. Such materials are predicted by first-principles theory to have interesting catalytic properties.
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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Materials Institute, Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and Technology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, A5300, Austin,Texas 78712-0165;
