Catalysis by sub-nanometer size gold clusters

The catalytic performance of sub-nanometer size gold clusters prepared by size-selected cluster deposition and more traditional methods will be discussed in the selective partial oxidation of propene to acrolein vs. propylene oxide and in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexane, under realistic reaction conditions of pressure and temperature. Strategies on the stabilization of the sub-nm size clusters again sintering will be presented and the structural fluxionality of clusters under elevated temperature and in gas atmosphere discussed. Accompanying DFT calculations shine light at the underlying reaction mechanisms and on the structural transformations of the clusters. State of the art in situ and ex-situ characterization techniques, such as X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption, TEM and STEM are used to characterize the catalysts. As time allows, a comparison of the performance of gold clusters with other sub-nm clusters will be given.