Atomic-level Pd-Pt alloying and largely enhanced hydrogen-storage capacity in bimetallic nanoparticles reconstructed from core/shell structure by a process of hydrogen absorption/desorption.

We have achieved the creation of a solid-solution alloy where Pd and Pt are homogeneously mixed at the atomic level, by a process of hydrogen absorption/desorption as a trigger for core (Pd)/shell (Pt) nanoparticles. The structural change from core/shell to solid solution has been confirmed by in situ powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectra, solid-state (2)H NMR measurement, and hydrogen pressure-composition isotherms. The successfully obtained Pd-Pt solid-solution nanoparticles with a Pt content of 8-21 atom % had a higher hydrogen-storage capacity than Pd nanoparticles. Moreover, the hydrogen-storage capacity of Pd-Pt solid-solution nanoparticles can be tuned by changing the composition of Pd and Pt.