Unveiling the formation mechanism of PbPd intermetallic phases in solvothermal synthesis using X-ray total scattering.

Pd possesses attractive catalytic properties and nano-structuring is an obvious way to enhance catalytic activity. Alloying Pd with Pb has been shown to enhance the catalytic effect of alcohol oxidation. Further optimization of the catalytic effect can be accomplished by controlling the particle size and key to this is understanding the formation mechanism.

Pair Distribution Function from Liquid Jet Nanoparticle Suspension using Femtosecond X-ray Pulses.

X-ray scattering data measured on femtosecond timescales at the SACLA X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facility on a suspension of HfO nanoparticles in a liquid jet were used for pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. Despite a non-optimal experimental setup resulting in a modest Q of ~8 Å , a promising PDF was obtained. The main features were reproduced when comparing the XFEL PDF to a PDF obtained from data measured at the PETRA III synchrotron light source.