Formation of Second-Generation Nanoclusters on Metal Nanoparticles Driven by Reactant Gases

Heterogeneous catalysis occurs at the interface between a solid catalyst and the reactants. The structure of metal catalyst nanoparticles at the metal–gas interface is a key factor that determines catalytic selectivity and activity. Here we report that second-generation nanoclusters are formed on the initial catalyst nanoparticles as a result of interaction with the reactant molecules when the nanoparticles are in a gas phase at Torr pressure or higher. The formation of the second-generation nanoclusters is manifested by a decrease of the average coordination number of the metal atoms and a shift of their core level energies in the presence of gases. The formation of second-generation nanoclusters increases the number of undercoordinated sites, which are the most active for catalysis in many cases.