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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. Part II
David P Anderson1, Rohul H Adnan, Jason F Alvino
1The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, and Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. vladimir.golovko@canterbury.ac.nz.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|August 3, 2013
Summary
Post-deposition treatments like heating in oxygen and hydrogen cause gold clusters (Au) on titania nanoparticles to agglomerate and lose ligands. Pre-treatment is key to controlling these effects.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Atomically precise gold clusters offer unique catalytic and electronic properties.
- Immobilization on supports like titania nanoparticles is crucial for practical applications.
- Understanding ligand behavior and cluster stability under various conditions is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of post-deposition heat treatments on gold clusters immobilized on anatase (titania) nanoparticles.
- To analyze the effects of oxygen and hydrogen atmospheres on ligand oxidation and cluster agglomeration.
- To determine the role of pre-treatment in controlling cluster stability and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Synchrotron X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was employed for high-resolution surface analysis.
- Chemically synthesized gold clusters (Au(n)(PPh3)y, n=8, 9, 101) were immobilized on anatase nanoparticles.
- Samples underwent controlled post-deposition treatments: untreated, heat-treated in O2, and heat-treated in O2 followed by H2.
Main Results:
- XPS analysis revealed oxidation of phosphine ligands upon heating in oxygen.
- The Au 4f(7/2) peak indicated partial agglomeration of gold clusters immediately after deposition.
- Further agglomeration of gold clusters was observed after heating in oxygen and subsequent hydrogen treatment.
- Pre-treatment significantly influenced ligand removal and the extent of cluster agglomeration.
Conclusions:
- Post-deposition heat treatments, particularly in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, induce significant changes in gold cluster structure.
- Ligand oxidation and cluster agglomeration are critical processes affecting the stability and performance of supported gold clusters.
- Careful control of pre-treatment conditions is vital for managing ligand removal and achieving desired gold cluster morphologies on titania supports.
