X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Phosphine-Capped Au Clusters

Abstract

The structural determination of ultrasmall clusters remains a challenge due to difficulties in crystallisation. Often the atomically precise clusters undergo structural change under the influence of the environment. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) can be an attractive tool to study the electronic and geometric properties of such clusters deposited onto various supports under in situ conditions. Herein, [Au6(dppp)4](NO3)2, [Au9(PPh3)8](NO3)3, [Au13(dppe)5Cl2]Cl3, and Au101(PPPh3)21Cl5 clusters were studied using XAS. The clusters exhibited distinct features compared to bulk gold. XANES results show a systematic increase in the absorption edge energy and white line intensity, with a decrease in cluster nuclearity. The EXAFS of clusters are sensitive to nuclearity and ligands and were fitted with their known crystal structures. This study advances the understanding of the phosphine-ligated metal clusters relevant to practical applications in catalysis and sensing.