= Solution
For the upper \b[core-shell precursor], first reduce a precursor of metal A to make seeds; then introduce and reduce a precursor of B under conditions favouring heterogeneous deposition on those seeds rather than independent <nucleation>. Control added quantity, reduction rate and surface <ligands> to build a shell.
For the lower \b[disordered-alloy precursor], reduce both metal precursors together so both metals enter the growing particles. Match their effective reduction rates by precursor chemistry, <temperature>, complexation or controlled feeding; otherwise sequential reduction can produce segregation instead of co-incorporation. Quenching or sufficiently mild growth can retain a disordered <alloy> before the later anneal. These routes need not initially produce equilibrium atomic arrangements.<Bimetallic Nanocrystals by Kyle D. Gilroy and others>[Liquid-phase synthesis of core-shell and <alloy> architectures]{ref}
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