Abstract
Thiolate protected metal clusters are valuable precursors for the design of tailored nanosized catalysts. Their performance can be tuned precisely at atomic level, e. g. by the configuration/type of ligands or by partial/complete removal of the ligand shell through controlled pre‐treatment steps. However, the interaction between the ligand shell and the oxide support, as well as ligand removal by oxidative pre‐treatment, are still poorly understood. Typically, it was assumed that the thiolate ligands are simply converted into SO2, CO2 and H2O. Herein, we report the first detailed observation of sulfur ligand migration from Au to the oxide support upon deposition and oxidative pre‐treatment, employing mainly S K‐edge XANES. Consequently, thiolate ligand migration not only produces clean Au cluster surfaces but also the surrounding oxide support is modified by sulfur‐containing species, with pronounced effects on catalytic properties.
Highlights
Small metal nanoparticles and clusters are well known for their high catalytic activity.[1]
Thiolate protected Au nanoclusters in the size range from sub-nanometer to 2 nm have shown extraordinary catalytic selectivity and activity, which depends on their size[5] and structure.[6]
Au nanoclusters are composed of a dense gold core and protecting S-(Au S)n (n = 1, 2) units.[7]
Summary
Small metal nanoparticles and clusters are well known for their high catalytic activity.[1]. Thiolate ligand migration produces clean Au cluster surfaces and the surrounding oxide support is modified by sulfur-containing species, with pronounced effects on catalytic properties.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
