Effect of Size on the Formation of Solid Solutions in Ag–Cu Nanoparticles

Modern technologies stimulate the quest for multicomponent nanosized materials with improved properties, which are ultimately defined by the atomic arrangement and interphase interactions in the nanomaterial. Here, we present the results of the experimental study of the formation of solid solutions in Ag–Cu nanoparticles in a wide size and temperature range using in situ TEM techniques. The Ag–Cu nanoparticles with a eutectic ratio of components were formed on an amorphous carbon film by the physical vapor deposition technique. Electron diffraction, HAADF-STEM imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, chemical element mapping, and electron energy loss spectral imaging were used for the characterization of mixing patterns and composition of phases in AgCu nanoparticles down to the atomic level. As a result, we constructed the solid-state part of the Ag–Cu phase diagram for nanoparticles with a size down to 5 nm. We found a highly asymmetric behavior of the solvus lines. Thus, the content of Cu in Ag gradually increased with a size reduction and reached the ultimate value for our configuration of 27 wt % Cu at a nanoparticle size below ∼8 nm. At the same time, no Cu-rich solid solution was found in two-phase AgCu nanoparticles, irrespective of the size and temperature. Moreover, a quasi-homogeneous solid solution was revealed in AgCu nanoparticles with a size smaller than 8 nm already at room temperature. A size dependence of the terminal temperature Tterm, which limits the existence of AgCu alloy nanoparticles in a vacuum, was constructed. Evaporation of the AgCu phase with the composition of 86 wt % Ag was observed at temperatures above Tterm. We show the crucial role of the mutual solubility of components on the type of atomic mixing pattern in AgCu nanoparticles. A gradual transition from a Janus-like to a homogeneous mixing pattern was observed in Ag–Cu nanoparticles (28 wt % Cu) with a decrease in their size.