Vladimir Golovko

Abstract:

Insight into the nature of pure and support-immobilized atomically precise metal clusters and well-defined colloids is of fundamental importance, since such metal nanoparticle precursors are useful for the development of better catalysts and sensors. Our detailed DFT studies of the ligated clusters allowed systematic identification of bands observed in the far-IR spectra, and interpretation of the ultra-high resolution electron microscopy images of clusters supported on titania nanosheets. Synchrotron XPS studies of pure and supported clusters reveal their unique electronic properties and highlight the importance of support chemistry in controlling aggregation of clusters. Detailed AFM and STM studies also shed light on the behavior of clusters on flat surfaces. Our catalytic studies highlight the effects of support and gold particle size in electrocatalytic applications and initiator-/solvent-free aerobic oxidation of cyclohexene.We have demonstrated that green catalytic process of aerobic oxidation of amines to nitriles can be driven by the visible light using hydrous ruthenium oxide nanoparticles on TiO2. We also developed series of catalysts based bio-templated titania which show promising activity in CO2 hydrogenation even under visible light.