Quantum-size effect on the electronic and optical properties of hybrid TiO₂/Au clusters

Although TiO2/Au nanosystems exhibit high photocatalytic activities under solar radiation in the experiment, the quantum-size effect of TiO2 on the growth, electronic properties, and reactivity of Au clusters remains elusive. Using (time dependent) density functional theory, it is found that Au atoms attach to low-coordinated Ti and O atoms and serve as seeds for the growth of Au clusters, and the electronic (optical) properties of hybrid Au-TiO2 nano-clusters depend strongly upon the type of supported Au clusters. Interestingly, decorating TiO2 nano-particles with even-numbered Au clusters (Au8 or Au10) can enhance the photocatalytic activity by: (i) spatially separating electron and hole states and (ii) balancing redox strength and visible light absorption. Furthermore, the interactions between the Au-TiO2 clusters and a single water molecule have been studied. It will open up new avenues for exploring controlled photocatalysts in semiconductor-based quantum-confined systems.