Synthesis of Au nanoclusters supported upon a TiO2 nanotube array

Gold nanoclusters were successfully deposited in the interior of TiO2 nanotubes fabricated as ordered arrays. This approach is a useful fabrication platform for miniature planar fuel cells, gas sensors, and heterogeneous catalysts. A pressure impregnation process was used to inject the titania and Au precursors into mesoporous alumina. After thermal treatment, Au nanoclusters were well-dispersed on the interior walls of nanotubular TiO2. The TiO2 nanotubes were shown by x-ray diffraction to be entirely anatase. Transmission electron microscopy imaging confirmed that 80% of the Au particles were 4.1 nm +/- 2.0 nm in diameter. This material exhibited catalytic CO oxidation activity at low temperatures.