Atomically Monodisperse Gold Nanoclusters Catalysts with Precise Core-Shell Structure

Abstract

The emphasis of this review is atomically monodisperse Au_n nanoclusters catalysts (n = number of metal atom in cluster) that are ideally composed of an exact number of metal atoms. Au_n which range in size from a dozen to a few hundred atoms are particularly promising for nanocatalysis due to their unique core-shell structure and non-metallic electronic properties. Au_n nanoclusters catalysts have been demonstrated to exhibit excellent catalytic activity in hydrogenation and oxidation processes. Such unique properties of Au_n significantly promote molecule activation by enhancing adsorption energy of reactant molecules on catalyst surface. The structural determination of Au_n nanoclusters allows for a precise correlation of particle structure with catalytic properties and also permits the identification of catalytically active sites on the gold particle at an atomic level. By learning these fundamental principles, one would ultimately be able to design new types of highly active and highly selective gold nanocluster catalysts for a variety of catalytic processes.