Energetic surface reconstruction phenomena were observed on bimetallic nanoparticle systems of AuPd and AuCu; similar to a re-solidification effect observed during cooling in lead clusters. These binary alloy nanoparticles exhibited truncated fivefold edges; resulting in {100} facets on decahedral structures. This concept had been reported theoretically, without any experimental evidence. It was demonstrated experimentally, and by computational simulation, that this new eutectic structure was favoured in such nanoalloy systems.

Surface Reconstruction and Decahedral Structure of Bimetallic Nanoparticles. J.L.Rodríguez-López, J.M.Montejano-Carrizales, U.Pal, J.F.Sánchez-Ramírez, H.E.Troiani, D.García, M.Miki-Yoshida, M.José-Yacamán: Physical Review Letters, 2004, 92[19], 196102 (4pp)