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Updated: May 14, 2026
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In Situ Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles without Aggregation in the Interlayer Space of Layered Titanate Transparent Films
Published on: January 17, 2017
Chemically-synthesised, atomically-precise gold clusters deposited and activated on titania
David P Anderson1, Jason F Alvino, Alexander Gentleman
1The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|February 13, 2013
Summary
Chemically synthesized gold clusters on titania nanoparticles were studied. Heat treatment removed ligands, causing partial oxidation and agglomeration, but cluster size remained controlled.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Atomically precise gold clusters offer unique catalytic properties.
- Immobilization on supports like titania nanoparticles is crucial for their application.
- Understanding ligand removal and its effect on cluster stability is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability and structural changes of gold clusters after ligand removal.
- To determine the impact of thermal treatment on immobilized gold clusters.
- To explore the interaction between gold clusters and titania nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Synchrotron X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was employed.
- Chemically synthesized gold clusters (Au(n)(PPh(3))(y)) of varying sizes (n=8, 9, 11, 101) were used.
- Clusters were immobilized on titania nanoparticles and subjected to washing or calcination.
Main Results:
- Deposition did not alter the initial cluster size, as indicated by Au 4f(7/2) peak positions.
- Phosphorous spectra confirmed the effective removal of organic ligands (PPh(3)) via washing or calcination.
- Partial oxidation and agglomeration of gold clusters were observed after ligand removal.
- Oxidation is attributed to the interaction with the titania support's oxygen after ligand desorption.
- Agglomerated clusters remained smaller than the reference Au(101) cluster.
Conclusions:
- Thermal treatment effectively removes organic ligands from gold clusters immobilized on titania.
- Ligand removal induces partial oxidation and controlled agglomeration of gold clusters.
- The size of the resulting agglomerates is controllable and remains below that of larger clusters.
- This study provides insights into the stability and surface interactions of supported gold clusters.
