Simple vapor-solid synthesis of Zn-based intermetallic compounds

Abstract A synthesis route to ZnPd, ZnPt and Cu 5 Zn 8 based on a vapor-solid reaction of stoichiometric amounts of the elements is presented. The high vapor pressure of zinc, usually hindering a controlled synthesis, forms part of the developed synthesis strategy with a focus on the catalytically active intermetallic compound ZnPd. The method provides excellent compositional control of better than 0.1 at% and results in dense samples without requiring detailed knowledge of the corresponding thermodynamics. Utilizing the well-defined ZnPd samples, the bulk defect model as well as the reducibility of surface oxides was clarified. The well-controlled synthesis route creates new opportunities for exploring the reaction kinetics and formation processes of intermetallic compounds.