Photo-induced transformation process at gold clusters-semiconductor interface: Implications for the complexity of gold clusters-based photocatalysis

• DOI: 10.1038/srep22742
• Publication Date: 2016-03-07T10:14:33Z
• Authors: Siqi Liu; Yi-Jun Xu
• Keywords: Rational design

Abstract The recent thrust in utilizing atomically precise organic ligands protected gold clusters (Au clusters) as photosensitizer coupled with semiconductors for nano-catalysts has led to the claims of improved efficiency photocatalysis. Nonetheless, influence photo-stability protected-Au at Au/semiconductor interface on photocatalytic properties remains rather elusive. Taking Au clusters–TiO 2 composites a prototype, we first time demonstrate photo-induced transformation small molecular-like larger metallic nanoparticles under different illumination conditions, which leads diverse reaction mechanism. This process undergoes diffusion/aggregation mechanism accompanied onslaught by active oxygen species and holes resulting from photo-excited TiO clusters. However, such aggregation can be efficiently inhibited tuning conditions. work would trigger rational structural design fine condition control protected-metal clusters-semiconductor applications long-term photo-stability.