Formation of FePt nanoparticles by organometallic synthesis

Our interest in determining the mechanism of FePt nanoparticle formation has led to this study of the evolution of particle size and composition during synthesis. FePt nanoparticles were prepared by the simultaneous reduction of platinum acetylacetonate and thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl. During the course of the reaction, samples were removed and the particle structure, size, and composition were determined using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. Early in the reaction the particles were Pt rich (greater than 95 at. % Pt) and as the reaction proceeded the Fe content increased to the target of 50%. The particle diameter increased from 3.1 to 4.6 nm during the reaction. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry measurements of individual particle compositions using a high resolution TEM showed a broad distribution of particle compositions with a standard deviation greater than 15% of the average composition