Structural study in amorphous Zr–noble metal (Pd, Pt and Au) alloys

Abstract The atomic structures around Zr and the noble metals M (M=Pd, Pt and Au) were studied by the anomalous X-ray scattering method in amorphous and quasicrystal Zr-based alloys. The prepeak in an energy differential intensity profile at the absorption edge of the M atoms in the amorphous state indicates the presence of a strong chemical short-range order around the M atoms. Coordination numbers and atomic distances were determined in all the samples. The atomic distances of the Zr–M pairs, which are shorter than those calculated from their Gold Schmidt radii, also suggest the existence of strong chemical bonds between them.