Self-Organization of Size-Selected Bare Platinum Nanoclusters: Toward Ultra-dense Catalytic Systems

Abstract

Novel applications in catalysis rely on the design of tailored nanoarchitectures. In this field, we present a new physical route, based on ultrahigh vacuum deposition of size-selected preformed clusters, leading to self-organization of platinum nanoparticles on the surface. The resulting array of “model” nanoclusters (i.e., size-selected and ligand-free) may provide a unique tool for future experimental and theoretical studies. A detailed analysis of the experimental and physical origins of the spontaneous organization of platinum nanoclusters is provided and points out the extreme importance of cluster-cluster and cluster-surface interactions.