Interaction of Gold with Oxide Nanoparticles: Size or Electronic Effect?

We have studied the interaction of gold with highly dispersed silica particles and flat silica films using scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed the definitive role of the oxide morphology on the electronic structure, thermal stability, and CO adsorption capabilities of gold species formed. Comparison with our previous study of gold supported on ceria nanoparticles and films suggests that it is the nanoparticulate morphology of the oxide support rather than its reducibility that promotes the formation and stabilization of partially charged Auδ+ species