Structure and Reactivity of Clusters on Surfaces

Structures and reactivities of supported metal clusters have been investigated mostly by spectroscopic and chemical methods, and the available data generally show that the supported species display chemistry that is comparable to that of precursor clusters in solution. These supported molecular catalysts provide information on the surface intermediates that is complementary to information on conventional metal catalysts. 

Since 1975, the interaction between organometallic cluster complexes and the difierent surface sites of metal oxides has been extensively studied (9-75). 

It has been assumed and occasionally demonstrated that surface reactions of metal cluster complexes proceed in a manner similar to reactions in solution. The following examples are typical of those postulated for the reaction of clusters with surfaces. 

Coulombic attraction between anionic clusters and surface positive M sites may occur  

Ligand exchange is possible with bases such as S , and phosphine anchored on the oxide surfaces  

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