Adsorption of Br$_2$ onto Small Au Nanoclusters

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that small Au nanoclusters can dissociate Br$_2$ molecules and adsorb Br atoms at their edges, revealing insights into nanocluster catalysis and poisoning mechanisms.

Contribution

It shows that Au nanoclusters enable Br$_2$ dissociation and adsorption of Br atoms, highlighting their role in surface chemistry and catalysis.

Findings

Au nanoclusters dissociate Br$_2$ into Br atoms

Br atoms adsorb at cluster edges, negatively charged

Br$_2$ adsorption blocks catalytic sites

Abstract

Au nanoclusters grown on SiO$_2$ by physical vapor deposition are exposed to Br$_2$ and then measured with 1.5 keV Na$^+$ low energy ion scattering. It is found that the clusters are able to dissociate the molecules which then adsorb as individual Br atoms, but Br$_2$ does not stick to the bare substrate nor to bulk Au. Adsorption is the first step in any surface chemical reaction, and this result shows how nanoclusters can induce adsorption of species that otherwise do not stick. Results from the literature indicate that catalysis involving nanoclusters occurs at the edges and that the edge atoms are positively charged. This information in conjunction with the ion scattering results lead to the conclusion that the Br adatoms are negatively charged and ionically bonded at the edges of the clusters. Br$_2$ is also a known catalytic poison and this work shows how its adsorption blocks sites that would otherwise be involved in nanocatalysis.