Epitaxy, interfacial energy and atomic structure of Au/TiO₂ interfaces

Abstract

In this paper, we review results on epitaxial orientation relationship, interfacial energy and atomistic studies of Au/TiO₂ interface with in particular the model Au//(1 1 0)TiO₂ system. The review is limited to contributions made by electron microscopy and diffraction techniques. Experimental results are also compared to theoretical studies with the aim of providing an understanding of the atomic structure of Au/TiO₂ interfaces in connection to the observed high catalytic properties of supported Au catalysts.

Keywords:

• interfaces
• atomic structure
• clusters
• growth
• atomic-resolution electron microscopy

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges valuable discussion and correspondence with Jian-Min Zuo. This work is dedicated to the memory of Jany Thibault-Penisson. I also would like to acknowledge my appreciation for the friendship and inspirational wisdom of Ted Madey and David Cockayne who, like Jany, left us too abruptly and too soon.