Genesis of gold clusters from mononuclear gold complexes on TiO2: reduction and aggregation of gold characterized by time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Mononuclear gold complexes bonded to TiO(2) were synthesized from Au(CH(3))(2)(C(5)H(7)O(2)), and their decomposition and conversion into gold nanoclusters on the TiO(2) surface were characterized by time-resolved X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopies as the temperature of the sample in flowing helium was ramped up. Mass spectra of the evolved gases were also measured during this process. The results show (a) the onset of formation of CH(4) as a decomposition product, (b) the reduction of Au(III) to Au(0), and (c) the formation of Au-Au bonds, all occurring in approximately the same temperature range (about 335-353 K), indicating that the reduction and aggregation of the supported gold are simultaneous processes facilitated by the removal of methyl ligands initially bonded to the gold. IR spectra recorded during the treatment indicate that water on the TiO(2) surface may be involved in the process by reacting with methyl groups bonded to Au(III) to give CH(4).