Generation of Pd Model Catalyst Nanoparticles by Spark Discharge

We present a method to deposit Pd nanoparticles with a very small size distribution by an aerosol process onto oxide substrates for the creation of model systems in catalytic research. The Pd nanoparticles are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. We confirm the small size dispersion from the desired particle size, and we show that the particle surface coverage can be highly controlled. Further, our measurements indicate that an amorphous shell surrounding a crystalline core of the Pd particles may form during the particle synthesis and that the shell contains carbon.