1
|
Howard-Fabretto L, Gorey TJ, Li G, Osborn DJ, Tesana S, Metha GF, Anderson SL, Andersson GG. The interaction of size-selected Ru 3 clusters with TiO 2: depth-profiling of encapsulated clusters. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:19117-19129. [PMID: 38957118 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00263f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Ru is a metal of interest in catalysis. Monodisperse Ru3 clusters as catalytic sites are relevant for the development of catalysts because clusters use significantly lower amounts of precious materials for forming active sites due to the small size of the cluster. However, retaining the mono-dispersity of the cluster size after deposition is a challenge because surface energy could drive both agglomeration and encapsulation of the clusters. In the present work Ru3 clusters are deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Ru3(CO)12 and cluster source depositions of bare Ru3 onto radio frequency sputter-deposited TiO2 (RF-TiO2) substrates, TiO2(100), and SiO2. When supported on RF-TiO2, bare Ru3 is encapsulated by a layer of titania substrate material during deposition with a cluster source. Ligated Ru3(CO)12 is also encapsulated by a layer of titania when deposited onto sputter-treated RF-TiO2, but only through heat treatment which is required to remove most of the ligands. The titania overlayer thickness was determined to be 1-2 monolayers for Ru3(CO)12 clusters on RF-TiO2, which is thin enough for catalytic or photocatalytic reactions to potentially occur even without clusters being part of the very outermost layer. The implication for catalysis of the encapsulation of Ru3 into the RF-TiO2 is discussed. Temperature-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), angle-resolved XPS, and temperature-dependent low energy ion scattering (TD-LEIS) are used to probe how the cluster-surface interaction changes due to heat treatment and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to image the depth of the surface from side-on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam Howard-Fabretto
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Physical Sciences Building (2111) GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia 5042, Australia.
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Timothy J Gorey
- Chemistry Department, University of Utah, 315 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Guangjing Li
- Chemistry Department, University of Utah, 315 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - D J Osborn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Siriluck Tesana
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- National Isotope Centre, GNS Science, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
| | - Gregory F Metha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Scott L Anderson
- Chemistry Department, University of Utah, 315 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Physical Sciences Building (2111) GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia 5042, Australia.
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Motamedisade A, Johnston MR, Alotaibi AEH, Andersson GA. Au 9 nanocluster adsorption and agglomeration control through sulfur modification of mesoporous TiO 2. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:9500-9509. [PMID: 38450597 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05353a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
In the present work phenyl phosphine-protected Au9 nanoclusters were deposited onto (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) modified and unmodified mesoporous screen printed TiO2. The removal of the cluster ligands by annealing was applied to enhance the interaction between Au cluster cores and semiconductor surfaces in the creation of efficient photocatalytic systems. The heat treatment could lead to undesired agglomeration of Au clusters, affecting their unique properties as size specific clusters. To address this challenge, the semiconductor surfaces were modified by MPTMS. Characterization techniques confirm the effectiveness of the modification processes, and XPS demonstrates that S functionalized MTiO2 is more efficient than MTiO2 in increasing Au9 NCs adsorption by a factor of 10 and preventing Au cluster agglomeration even after annealing. Overall, this work contributes valuable insights into photocatalytic systems through controlled modification of semiconductor surfaces and Au nanocluster deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Motamedisade
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia.
| | - Martin R Johnston
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia.
| | - Amjad E H Alotaibi
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia.
| | - Gunther A Andersson
- Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Adnan RH, Madridejos JML, Alotabi AS, Metha GF, Andersson GG. A Review of State of the Art in Phosphine Ligated Gold Clusters and Application in Catalysis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105692. [PMID: 35332703 PMCID: PMC9130904 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Atomically precise gold clusters are highly desirable due to their well-defined structure which allows the study of structure-property relationships. In addition, they have potential in technological applications such as nanoscale catalysis. The structural, chemical, electronic, and optical properties of ligated gold clusters are strongly defined by the metal-ligand interaction and type of ligands. This critical feature renders gold-phosphine clusters unique and distinct from other ligand-protected gold clusters. The use of multidentate phosphines enables preparation of varying core sizes and exotic structures beyond regular polyhedrons. Weak gold-phosphorous (Au-P) bonding is advantageous for ligand exchange and removal for specific applications, such as catalysis, without agglomeration. The aim of this review is to provide a unified view of gold-phosphine clusters and to present an in-depth discussion on recent advances and key developments for these clusters. This review features the unique chemistry, structural, electronic, and optical properties of gold-phosphine clusters. Advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron-based spectroscopy, have unraveled substantial effects of Au-P interaction on the composition-, structure-, and size-dependent properties. State-of-the-art theoretical calculations that reveal insights into experimental findings are also discussed. Finally, a discussion of the application of gold-phosphine clusters in catalysis is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohul H. Adnan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of ScienceCenter for Hydrogen EnergyUniversiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)Johor Bahru81310Malaysia
| | | | - Abdulrahman S. Alotabi
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth Australia5042Australia
- Department of PhysicsFaculty of Science and Arts in BaljurashiAlbaha UniversityBaljurashi65655Saudi Arabia
| | - Gregory F. Metha
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth Australia5005Australia
| | - Gunther G. Andersson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and TechnologyFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth Australia5042Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alotabi AS, Yin Y, Redaa A, Tesana S, Metha GF, Andersson GG. Cr 2O 3 layer inhibits agglomeration of phosphine-protected Au 9 clusters on TiO 2 films. J Chem Phys 2021; 155:164702. [PMID: 34717368 DOI: 10.1063/5.0059912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The properties of semiconductor surfaces can be modified by the deposition of metal clusters consisting of a few atoms. The properties of metal clusters and of cluster-modified surfaces depend on the number of atoms forming the clusters. Deposition of clusters with a monodisperse size distribution thus allows tailoring of the surface properties for technical applications. However, it is a challenge to retain the size of the clusters after their deposition due to the tendency of the clusters to agglomerate. The agglomeration can be inhibited by covering the metal cluster modified surface with a thin metal oxide overlayer. In the present work, phosphine-protected Au clusters, Au9(PPh3)8(NO3)3, were deposited onto RF-sputter deposited TiO2 films and subsequently covered with a Cr2O3 film only a few monolayers thick. The samples were then heated to 200 °C to remove the phosphine ligands, which is a lower temperature than that required to remove thiolate ligands from Au clusters. It was found that the Cr2O3 covering layer inhibited cluster agglomeration at an Au cluster coverage of 0.6% of a monolayer. When no protecting Cr2O3 layer was present, the clusters were found to agglomerate to a large degree on the TiO2 surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman S Alotabi
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Yanting Yin
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Ahmad Redaa
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Siriluck Tesana
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8141, New Zealand
| | - Gregory F Metha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Daughtry J, Andersson GG, Metha GF, Tesana S, Nakayama T. Sub-monolayer Au 9 cluster formation via pulsed nozzle cluster deposition. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:4051-4061. [PMID: 36132769 PMCID: PMC9416922 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00566e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Submonolayer coverages of chemically synthesised triphenylphosphine-protected Au9 clusters on mica and TiO2 substrates were achieved through the development of a Pulsed Nozzle Cluster Deposition (PNCD) technique under high vacuum conditions. This method offers the deposition of pre-prepared, solvated clusters directly onto substrates in a vacuum without the potential for contamination from the atmosphere. AFM and TEM were used to investigate the rate of gold cluster deposition as a function of cluster solution concentration and the number of pulses, with pulse number showing the most effective control of the final deposition conditions. TEM and XPS were used to determine that the clusters retained their unique properties through the deposition process. Methanol solvent deposited in the PNCD process has been shown to be removable through post-deposition treatments. A physical model describing the vapour behaviour and solvent evaporation in a vacuum is also developed and presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Daughtry
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5042 Australia
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide SA 5042 Australia
| | - Gregory F Metha
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Siriluck Tesana
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury Christchurch 8041 New Zealand
| | - Tomonobu Nakayama
- National Institute for Materials Science 1-1 Namiki Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0044 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Howard-Fabretto L, Andersson GG. Metal Clusters on Semiconductor Surfaces and Application in Catalysis with a Focus on Au and Ru. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1904122. [PMID: 31854037 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201904122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metal clusters typically consist of two to a few hundred atoms and have unique properties that change with the type and number of atoms that form the cluster. Metal clusters can be generated with a precise number of atoms, and therefore have specific size, shape, and electronic structures. When metal clusters are deposited onto a substrate, their shape and electronic structure depend on the interaction with the substrate surface and thus depend on the properties of both the clusters and those of the substrate. Deposited metal clusters have discrete, individual electron energy levels that differ from the electron energy levels in the constituting individual atoms, isolated clusters, and the respective bulk material. The properties of clusters with a focus on Au and Ru, the methods to generate metal clusters, and the methods of deposition of clusters onto substrate surfaces are covered. The properties of cluster-modified surfaces are important for their application. The main application covered here is catalysis, and the methods for characterization of the cluster-modified surfaces are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam Howard-Fabretto
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
- Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Longo A, de Boed EJJ, Mammen N, van der Linden M, Honkala K, Häkkinen H, de Jongh PE, Donoeva B. Towards Atomically Precise Supported Catalysts from Monolayer-Protected Clusters: The Critical Role of the Support. Chemistry 2020; 26:7051-7058. [PMID: 32220016 PMCID: PMC7318640 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Controlling the size and uniformity of metal clusters with atomic precision is essential for fine-tuning their catalytic properties, however for clusters deposited on supports, such control is challenging. Here, by combining X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, it is shown that supports play a crucial role in the evolution of monolayer-protected clusters into catalysts. Based on the acidic nature of the support, cluster-support interactions lead either to fragmentation of the cluster into isolated Au-ligand species or ligand-free metallic Au0 clusters. On Lewis acidic supports that bind metals strongly, the latter transformation occurs while preserving the original size of the metal cluster, as demonstrated for various Aun sizes. These findings underline the role of the support in the design of supported catalysts and represent an important step toward the synthesis of atomically precise supported nanomaterials with tailored physico-chemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Longo
- XMI, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S12, Ghent, East Flanders, 9000, Belgium.,Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)-CNR, UOS Palermo, Via Ugo La Malfa, 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ewoud J J de Boed
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nisha Mammen
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Marte van der Linden
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karoliina Honkala
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Hannu Häkkinen
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland.,Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Petra E de Jongh
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Baira Donoeva
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alharbi ARM, Andersson JM, Köper I, Andersson GG. Investigating the Structure of Self-Assembled Monolayers Related to Biological Cell Membranes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:14213-14221. [PMID: 31596586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Tethered bilayer lipid membranes are solid supported lipid membranes, where the inner leaflet is covalently linked to the solid supported substrate through anchorlipids. These anchorlipids form a self-assembled monolayer, which serves as the basis of the membrane and also provides submembrane space. The molecular structure and composition of this monolayer has thus significant influence on the membrane structural and functional properties. The density of the self-assembled monolayer can be tailored by adding small molecules to the monolayer. Here, the structure of fully tethered and sparsely tethered monolayers, where the anchorlipid has been diluted with a small surface-active thiol, has been analyzed using neutral impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and metastable induced electron spectroscopy. Combination of these three techniques allowed description of the self-assembly process in detail. The monolayers have been characterized in terms of layer thickness and orientation of the lipids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakob M Andersson
- Biosensor Technologies , Austrian Institute of Technology , 1210 Vienna , Austria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Burgos JC, Mejía SM, Metha GF. Effect of Charge and Phosphine Ligands on the Electronic Structure of the Au 8 Cluster. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:9169-9180. [PMID: 31460005 PMCID: PMC6648428 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we use density functional theory calculations with a hybrid exchange-correlation functional and effective core pseudopotentials to determine the geometry of bare and phosphine-protected Au8 nanoclusters and characterize their electronic structure. Au8 clusters were bonded to four and eight PH3 ligands in order to evaluate the effect of ligand concentration on the electronic structure, while different positional configurations were also tried for four ligands attached to the cluster. We show that the neutral clusters become more nucleophilic as the ligands bind to the clusters at stable sites. The ground-state planar configuration of Au8 is maintained depending on the concentration and position of ligands. The effect of ionizing to the +2 charge state results in disruption of planar geometry in some cases because of inoccupation of a molecular orbital with the Au-Au bonding character. Natural bond order charge analyses showed that Au atoms oxidize upon ionization, instead of phosphine. The net positive charge makes the clusters more electrophilic with a capacity to absorb electrons from nucleophiles depending on the concentration and position of ligands and on the concentration of low-coordinated gold atoms. Besides, ionization energies and electron affinities were calculated through different mechanisms, finding that both variables are much higher for charged systems and change inversely with the concentration of ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Burgos
- Programa
de Ingeniería Química, Universidad
de Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia
- Departamento
de Química, Pontificia Universidad
Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
- E-mail: (J.C.B.)
| | - Sol M. Mejía
- Departamento
de Química, Pontificia Universidad
Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
- E-mail: (S.M.M.)
| | - Gregory F. Metha
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Towards the geometric structure of small supported Au 9 clusters on Si. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12371. [PMID: 30120308 PMCID: PMC6098063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30750-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultra-small clusters containing few atoms are of high interest in both fundamental research and applications due to their specific functional, magnetic or chemical properties which depend on size and composition. The experimental results of the morphology of the size-selected clusters, consisting of few atoms can be an ideal benchmark for sophisticated theoretical models. With this motivation we have investigated the geometrical structure of mass-selected Au9 clusters deposited on a silicon substrate prepared by soft-landing conditions. We present results obtained experimentally by Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS). Considering the ultra-small size of the clusters and small quantities of material on the surface, we combined advanced techniques which allowed us to investigate the surface structure of the sample. The resulting structural sizes are in concordance with cluster theory. Using a model-based approach, the advanced X-ray techniques allow for understanding how to resolve the possible cluster structure, identify optimal experimental conditions and obtain the probable morphological information which is challenging to be obtained otherwise.
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu Q, Cen J, Zhao Y, Tong X, Li Y, Frenkel AI, Zhao S, Orlov A. A comprehensive study of catalytic, morphological and electronic properties of ligand-protected gold nanoclusters using XPS, STM, XAFS, and TPD techniques. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:1497-1503. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp06376h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A combination of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques comprehensively elucidates the unique properties of distinct ligand-protected gold nano clusters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiyuan Wu
- Department of Material Science and Chemical Engineering
- Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook
- USA
| | - Jiajie Cen
- Department of Material Science and Chemical Engineering
- Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook
- USA
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Chemistry
- Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook
- USA
| | - Xiao Tong
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials
- Brookhaven National Laboratory
- Upton
- USA
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Material Science and Chemical Engineering
- Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook
- USA
| | - Anatoly I. Frenkel
- Department of Material Science and Chemical Engineering
- Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook
- USA
- Division of Chemistry
| | - Shen Zhao
- Energy & Environment
- Southern Research
- Durham
- USA
| | - Alexander Orlov
- Department of Material Science and Chemical Engineering
- Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook
- USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ridings C, Warr GG, Andersson GG. Surface Ordering in Binary Mixtures of Protic Ionic Liquids. J Phys Chem Lett 2017; 8:4264-4267. [PMID: 28823156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b01654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The surface composition of binary mixtures of the protic ionic liquids ethylammonium nitrate and propylammonium nitrate has been investigated using surface tension measurements and the perfectly surface sensitive method metastable induced electron spectroscopy. Given that the latter technique is sensitive only to the outermost layer, it allows for the determination of the surface fraction occupied by a given species. The piecewise linear relationship between surface fraction and surface tension found in this study can be described by a phase separation within the surface layer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan Ridings
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University , Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Gregory G Warr
- School of Chemistry and Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, The University of Sydney , NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University , Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sharma A, Kroon R, Lewis DA, Andersson GG, Andersson MR. Poly(4-vinylpyridine): A New Interface Layer for Organic Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:10929-10936. [PMID: 28262016 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) was used as a cathode interface layer in inverted organic solar cells (OSCs) fabricated using poly[2,3-bis(3-octyloxyphenyl)quinoxaline-5,8-diyl-alt-thiophene-2,5-diyl] (TQ1) and PC71BM (phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester) as the donor and acceptor materials, respectively. We successfully demonstrate that the work function of underlying indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode can be significantly reduced by ∼0.7 eV, after modification of the surface with a thin film of P4VP. Photoconversion efficiency of 4.7% was achieved from OSCs incorporating P4VP interface layer between the ITO and bulk heterojunction (BHJ). Thin P4VP layer, when used to modify ZnO electron transport layer in inverted OSCs, reduced the ZnO work function from 3.7 to 3.4 eV, which resulted in a noteworthy increase in open-circuit voltage from 840 to 890 mV. On simultaneous modification of ZnO with P4VP and optimization of the BHJ morphology by using solvent additive chloronapthalene, photoconversion efficiency of OSCs was significantly increased from 4.6% to 6.3%. The enhanced device parameters are also attributed to an energetically favorable material stratification, as a result of an enrichment of PC71BM toward the P4VP interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anirudh Sharma
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia , Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Renee Kroon
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology , SE-41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - David A Lewis
- Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University , Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University , Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Mats R Andersson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia , Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jiang ZY, Zhao ZY. Density functional theory study on the metal–support interaction between a Au9 cluster and an anatase TiO2(001) surface. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:22069-22077. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp03796a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The microstructure and electronic structure of three different Au9 isomers loaded on anatase TiO2(001) surface were studied. The adsorption energy of Au9 2D configuration is larger than that of 3D configuration, owing to the stronger interactions with more adsorption sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zong-You Jiang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering
- Kunming University of Science and Technology
- Kunming 650093
- P. R. China
| | - Zong-Yan Zhao
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering
- Kunming University of Science and Technology
- Kunming 650093
- P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Steven JT, Golovko VB, Johannessen B, Marshall AT. Electrochemical stability of carbon-supported gold nanoparticles in acidic electrolyte during cyclic voltammetry. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.11.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
16
|
Mollenhauer D, Gaston N. Phosphine passivated gold clusters: how charge transfer affects electronic structure and stability. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 18:29686-29697. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cp04562f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
First principle calculations of small charged phosphine ligand-protected gold clusters have been performed in order to understand the major factors determining stability, including its size, shape, and charge dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Mollenhauer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen
- Giessen
- Germany
| | - Nicola Gaston
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Department of Physics
- The University of Auckland
- Auckland 1142
- New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Al Qahtani HS, Higuchi R, Sasaki T, Alvino JF, Metha GF, Golovko VB, Adnan R, Andersson GG, Nakayama T. Grouping and aggregation of ligand protected Au9 clusters on TiO2 nanosheets. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra21419c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Au9 clusters forming groups of clusters on titania nanosheets at least partially consist of individual clusters both before and after annealing. Au9 clusters also can attach as individual clusters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan S. Al Qahtani
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Rintaro Higuchi
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Tsukuba
- Japan
| | - Takayoshi Sasaki
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Tsukuba
- Japan
| | - Jason F. Alvino
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Adelaide
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Gregory F. Metha
- Department of Chemistry
- The University of Adelaide
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Vladimir B. Golovko
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Canterbury
- Christchurch 8140
- New Zealand
| | - Rohul Adnan
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Canterbury
- Christchurch 8140
- New Zealand
| | - Gunther G. Andersson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
- Flinders University
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Tomonobu Nakayama
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA)
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
- Tsukuba
- Japan
| |
Collapse
|