Catalysis is a key technology on the way to a sustainable society. However, to exploit the full potential of nanoparticles in catalytic processes, a deep understanding of their behaviour at the molecular level is required - a significant challenge. To overcome this challenge, the development of novel nanostructures with precise control over size, composition and surface properties is essential. Metallic nanoclusters are a promising route to this goal and promise significant advances in nanoscience. In recent years, our efforts have focused on the use of metal nanoclusters to unravel the intricacies of surface science and catalysis. A key goal is to create active catalytic surfaces at the atomic scale, tailored to specific properties that promote sustainable processes. Using a mixture of comprehensive structural characterisation and operando spectroscopy, we seek to unlock reaction mechanisms and establish a link between the structure of metal clusters and catalytic activity.
In addition, our focus on chiral catalysis has led us to investigate and manipulate the chiral properties of gold nanoclusters. Through targeted design, we have conferred different degrees of chirality to these clusters, offering not only fundamental insights but also promising prospects for asymmetric reactions. By merging experimental and theoretical approaches, we aim to deepen our understanding of chirality in metal nanoclusters and advance their utility for catalytic purposes.
Recent publications: N. Müller, R. Banu, A. Loxha, F. Schrenk, L. Lindenthal, C. Rameshan, E. Pitternauer, J. Llorca, J. Timoshenko, C. Marini, N. Barrabes*; Dynamic Behaviour of Platinum and Copper Dopants in GoldNanoclusters Supported on Ceria Catalysts
Communications Chemistry (Nature group) (2023), 6, Article number: 277 (2023)
doi.org/10.1038/s42004-023-01068-0 , Invited paper
V. Truttmann, A. Loxha, R. Banu, E. Pittenauer, S. Malola, M.F. Matus, Y. Wang, E. Ploetz, G.Rupprechter, T. Bürgi, H. Häkkinen, C. Aickens, N.Barrabes*; Directing intrinsic chirality in goldnanoclusters: preferential formation of stable enantiopure clusters in high yield and experimentally unvelling the "super" chirality of Au144
ACS Nano (2023) 17, 20, 20376-20386 doi:10.1021/acsnano.3c06568
