Equilibrium segregation patterns and alloying in Cu/Ni nanoparticles: Experiments versus modeling

We analyze the segregation behavior of bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with moderate miscibility gap by applying a combined experimental/simulation approach to Cu/Ni as a model system. Using a hybrid molecular dynamics/Metropolis Monte Carlo algorithm (MD/MMC) based on the embedded atom method (EAM), we derive the equilibrium distribution of atomic species in the clusters for varying concentrations and particle structures. To cross-check the predictive power of our approach, we compare these results with modified EAM (MEAM) and density functional theory based ab initio calculations. This permits to identify possible shortcomings of the EAM when used to describe bimetallic NPs. Additionally, we isolate vibrational entropy contributions to the free energy of the NPs and special focus is put on the possibility of entropic stabilization of segregated versus solid solution NPs. Finally, we complement our simulations by experimental results, which are obtained by studying the behavior of plasma gas condensation synthesized Ni@Cu core-shell (CS) particles upon annealing.