Synthesis of atomic metal clusters on nanoporous alumina

The synthesis of atomic metal (gold and nickel) clusters by pulsed galvanostatic electrodeposition on nanoporous alumina is presented. The method allows the production of clusters with an average diameter of 0.7 nm for gold and 1.1 nm for nickel, while the size can be controlled through the current density applied. This strategy represents a simple and efficient method for the construction of heterogeneous catalysts and sub-nanometre electrode arrays exemplified here by the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and the electrochemical response to ferrocyanide.