Shape Transition and Growth of Co(x)Fe(1-x )Alloy Nanocrystals Synthesized by Electrochemical Deposition

Abstract

The shape transition and growth of electrochemically synthesized cubic and non-cubic Co(x)Fe(1-x )nanocrystals (NCs) were investigated. The shapes of the prepared CoxFe1-x NCs were found to be affected by the NC compositions. More specifically, the cubic CoxFe1-x NCs enclosed by {100} facets appeared when the Fe content was ˃50%. In contrast, non-cubic hemispherical CoxFe1-x NCs appeared when the Co content was ˃50%. In addition, a reduction in the particle density was observed during NC growth. This phenomenon was illustrated using the interparticle diffusion coupling mechanism, which explains broadening of the particle size distribution and electrochemical Ostwald ripening. (C) 2018 The Electrochemical Society.