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

将产生不同类型的金属团簇，并通过选择簇束源将其沉积到适当的载体中，其中包括小型负团簇离子的铯溅射源(Alton源)。然后，这些沉积的团簇将用透射电子显微镜(TEM)，特别是在扫描电子显微镜(STEM)模式下成像到原子分辨率，并用XPS(X射线光电子能谱)探测它们的化学结构。最终，团簇的原子和化学结构将与由伙伴集团或与伙伴集团进行的催化和/或催化生长实验相关联，从而实现材料优化。所研究的团簇将包括二元纳米合金系统。实验研究将得到与热那亚小组(费兰多教授)合作的星团理论模型的补充。(X光片o)

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)