Oxidation and reduction of mass-selected Au clusters on SiO2/Si

Abstract

Even-odd effects: Oxidation patterns of the mass-selected Aun (n = 2-10) clusters deposited on silica surfaces are reported. An additional Au atom can drastically change the oxidation pattern of the Au clusters. Au 5 and Au7 (see picture) are suggested to be highly stable upon oxygen exposure. Formation of Au-O bonds is not observed. (Chemical Equation Presented). © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.