Structural Characterization of Rh and RhAu Dendrimer-Encapsulated Nanoparticles.

We report the structural characterization of 1-2 nm Rh and RhAu alloy dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) prepared by chemical reduction with NaBH4 . In contrast to previously reported results, in situ and ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopic experiments indicate that only a fraction of the Rh3+ present in the precursors are reduced by NaBH4 . Additional structural analysis of RhAu alloy DENs using extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy leads to a model in which there is significant segregation of Rh and Au within the nanoparticles. In Rh-rich alloy DENs, Au atoms are segregated on the nanoparticle surface.