Utilizing Au ₁₁ clusters for photocatalytic water splitting reactions

Hydrogen production by using photocatalytic water splitting reaction can be an important area for sustainable energy generation. Sub-nm Au particles deposited on various photocatalysts were synthesized for water splitting. We have used various techniques to obtain a comprehensive structural and morphological data for these new materials. The structure of unsupported Au clusters was confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS and STEM. The supported gold clusters were characterized by STEM and UV-vis. We have found modification of CdS surface with sub-nm Au has substantially increased the rate of H ₂ production under visible light. This is first ever demonstration of the role of such small particles for water splitting reaction.