Highly monodisperse core–shell particles created by solid-state reactions

The size distribution of particles, which is essential for many properties of nanomaterials, is equally important for the mechanical behaviour of the class of alloys whose strength derives from a dispersion of nanoscale precipitates. However, particle size distributions formed by solid-state precipitation are generally not well controlled. Here we demonstrate, through the example of core–shell precipitates in Al–Sc–Li alloys, an approach to forming highly monodisperse particle size distributions by simple solid-state reactions. The approach involves the use of a two-step heat treatment, whereby the core formed at high temperature provides a template for growth of the shell at lower temperature. If the core is allowed to grow to a sufficient size, the shell develops in a ‘size focusing’ regime, where smaller particles grow faster than larger ones. These results suggest strategies for manipulating precipitate size distributions in similar systems through simple variations in thermal treatments. A crucial aspect for many applications of nanoparticles is the ability to control their size and, in particular, the size homogeneity within a nanoparticle ensemble. An approach to form highly monodisperse particles through simple solid-state reactions is now demonstrated. The results could lead to efficient ways to control size distributions through simple thermal treatments.