Chapter 10 - Atomically Precise Gold and Bimetal Nanoclusters as New Model Catalysts

Abstract

Abstract This chapter summarizes the recent advances in the synthesis and catalytic application of atomically precise gold and bimetal nanoclusters. Such nanoclusters have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and serve as new model catalysts for obtaining atomic/molecular level insights into the catalytic processes, including the precise size-dependent catalytic reactivity and how molecules are adsorbed and activated on the catalytic active sites, as well as the structural sensitivity of the catalyst to the reactions. While this area is still in its infancy, promising work has been reported and demonstrated the catalytic power of atomically precise nanoclusters. The reactions include catalytic oxidation, catalytic hydrogenation, carbon-carbon coupling, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis. In addition, the precisely doped Au-M bimetal nanoclusters (M = Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, etc.) provide a unique opportunity to tune the catalytic reactivity on a truly atom-by-atom basis. Overall, atomically precise nanoclusters hold great promise in the discovery of unique catalytic processes and in advancing the fundamental understanding of catalytic mechanisms at the atomic/molecular level.