A new method for the production of alloy nanoparticles by electrical wire explosion

The electrical wire explosion has been quite successful in the production of nanoparticles of various pure metals. However, the method failed to extend to the realm of alloys and intermetallics due in part to the unavailability of corresponding wires. In this paper, a new solution for this problem is suggested which utilizes electroplated wires instead. It is demonstrated that the explosion of Cu-plated Ni wire produce single phase CuNi alloy nanoparticles. The method is believed to have a potential to enable the synthesis of wide variety of alloy and intermetallic nanoparticles conveniently.