Characterization of gold nanoclusters synthesized on carbon nanotubes film: Evaluation of the size distributions by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Gold nanoclusters were directly synthesized on thiol functionalized carbon nanotubes film and characterized by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A carbon nanotube (CNT) supporting network was produced by spreading a concentrate suspension of thiol-functionalized CNT on platinum films. To synthesize gold nanoclusters, a water solution of tetrachloroauric acid was adsorbed on the CNT substrate and reduced by UV reduction in air. Detailed analysis of the Au 4f core line enabled us to follow the chemical modifications occurring on the substrate. In particular, the XPS analysis of gold features shows a progressive reduction of the gold precursor by increasing the irradiation time. Also information on the nanocluster size distribution after each reducing treatments are obtained.