Preparation of solid–solution type Fe–Co nanoalloys by synchronous deposition of Fe and Co using dual arc plasma guns

Abstract

We succeeded in the efficient preparation of well-dispersed Fe–Co nanoalloys (NAs) using the arc plasma deposition method. Synchronous shots of dual arc plasma guns were applied to a carbon support to prepare the solid–solution type Fe–Co NAs having an approximately 1 : 1 atomic ratio. The alloy structures with and without a reductive thermal treatment under a hydrogen atmosphere were examined using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, high resolution STEM, and magnetic measurements, suggesting that highly crystalline spherical particles of ordered B2-type Fe–Co NAs form by the thermal treatment of the deposited grains.