Charge redistribution in Pd-Ag alloys from a local perspective

Using Pd and Ag L(3/2)-edge x-ray-absorption near edge structures (XANES) and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, we have investigated the charge distribution in a series of Pd-Ag alloys (Pd3Ag, PdAg, and PdAg3) from a local perspective. It is found that, relative to the pure element, both Pd and Ag gain d and lose non-d (s and p) charge upon alloying. The results are discussed in terms of band filling, rehybridization, electronegativity, and electroneutrality considerations. The possibility of using the L(3,2)-edge XANES white line to circumvent the need of an appropriate volume for charge transfer discussions and for other applications are noted.