Redox catalytic property of gold nanoclusters: evidence of an electron-relay effect

The objective of this study is to investigate the elementary mechanism of the formation of nanoclusters in terms of the various stages involved, viz. atom formation, cluster nucleation and growth. The thermodynamics of their reaction where the clusters play an efficient role as a catalyst for the redox system is also another interesting dimension of the study. Synthesis of particles suggests a two-step process, i.e. nucleation and successive growth. The atoms agglomerate to form metal clusters. A metal cluster acting as a catalytic relay behaves alternately as an acceptor and as a donor of electrons. An effective transfer of electrons is possible when the potential of the cluster is more positive than that of the electron-donor system.