Ultra-small noble metal nanoclusters have recently emerged as an active research area in the field of nanocatalysis. Elucidation of their intricate structure-activity relationships in catalytic reactions necessitates solving the total structures of nanoclusters (i.e, the metallic core + surface ligand binding motifs). This presentation will focus on the atomic structures and catalytic properties of the recently discovered thiolate-protected Au23 and Au24 nanoclusters- which exhibit extended Au3(SR)4 and Au4(SR)5 staple motifs on their surfaces respectively. Further, a comparison of these two nanoclusters with the previously reported magic-sized Au25 cluster reveals drastic differences in their atom packing structures and electronic properties, which in turn translate into different catalytic properties. These comparative studies are expected to not only aid in elucidation of mechanistic pathways of nano-gold catalysis, but also help in the design of new highly efficient catalysts for reactions of industrial importance.

Extended surface staple motifs in thiolate-protected Au23 and Au24 nanoclusters: Implications for nano-gold catalysis

249th National Meeting (2015)

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