Abstract:
Novel catalytic properties are expected from Atomic Quantum Clusters (AQC), which could lead to the development of new catalyst at the sub-nanometric scale. To evaluate their potential and real applications, studies about their stability and reactivity, associated to their support and thermodynamic conditions, become mandatory, especially through advanced in-situ characterizations methodologies. The same requirements are demanded in order to elucidate the possible catalytic mechanisms. For that, we present the study, employing NAP- XPS and XAS synchrotron-based techniques, on supported Cu5 and Ag5 AQC, their stability and ability to sulfur oxidation reactions, and potential applications at the fields of nanomedicine and industrial catalysis.