Scheme 1. Schematic representation of the time alloying process. (a) Metal sNPs stabilized with weak ligands produce AuPt nanoalloys. (b) When Au sNPs are stabilized with thiol groups (a strong bond capping agent) Pt and Au sNPs remain segregated even if Pt sNPs have a weak capping agent. (c) When 20 nm size Au nanoparticles stabilized with weak capping agents are used the particles remain segregated even if Pt sNPs have a weak capping agent.
