Experimental and theoretical investigation into the optimisation of nano-sized clusters for catalysis

Different types of metal cluster will be generated and deposited into suitable supports with a selection of cluster beam sources, including a caesium-sputtering source of small negative cluster ions (Alton source). These deposited clusters will then be imaged down to atomic resolution using TEM (transmission electron microscopy), especially in STEM (scanning transmission electron microscope) mode and their chemical structure probed by XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). Ultimately the atomic and chemical structures of the clusters will be correlated with catalytic and/or catalytic growth experiments conducted by or with partner groups, enabling materials optimisation. The clusters studied will include binary nanoalloy systems. The experimental studies will be complemented by theoretical modelling of the clusters in collaboration with the Genoa group (Prof Ferrando).
(x-ray o)