TEM, SEM, and X-ray analysis of Cu-Ni alloy nanoparticles

CARRERAS, A. C., CANGIANO, M DE LOS A., OJEDA, M.W, AND RUIZ, M. DEL C

Campinas

Jornada; Reunión Anual de Usuarios del Laboratorio Nacional de Luz Sincrotrón 2012, Campinas, Brasil; 2012

Cu-Ni alloys are extensively used in several metallurgical industries. The traditional methods for the synthesis of these alloys have some limitations, mainly related with manufacturing costs and with the homogeneity of the ¯nal product, which encourages the study and development of new methodologies to produce them. In our research group we have developed a new chemical route for the synthesis of Cu-Ni alloys [1,2]. The process involves four steps, including the precursor preparation by the citrate-gel method and the subsequent decomposition, calcination and reduction. In this work, the physicochemical characterization of Cu-Ni alloy nanoparticles sinthesized by the new chemical route is presented. The sample characterization was performed by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray Di®raction (XRD). The results of TEM and EDS analyses showed that Cu{Ni alloy nanoparticles with a good chemical homogeneity were obtained. The mean Cu/Ni atomic ratio was around 0.98. The XRD diagram showed the formation of a new phase with intermediate lattice parameter between the corresponding to pure Cu and Ni structures, and with an average grain size around 6 nm. The chemical homogeneity of the alloy obtained is discussed on the basis of the resolution of the analytical techniques used.