Collision as a way of forming bimetallic nanoclusters of various structures and chemical compositions

In the present work, a new way to obtain bimetallic nanoclusters of different structures and chemical compositions is proposed, which is based on computer simulations. Collision processes between two metal clusters of different natures are simulated through molecular-dynamics simulations using many-body potentials. Diverse diffusion mechanisms and structures can be observed, depending on the metals combined and the initial kinetic energies. The nanostructures we have found are core-shell (Pt-Au), alloyed (Pd-Au), and three-shell onionlike (Cu-Ag). (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.