Our research group focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of gold nanoclusters (Au-NCs) and noble metal nanoparticles, exploring their potential across various innovative fields.

Currently, we are purifying phosphonium-stabilized Au-NCs using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) for size characterization. This purification opens avenues for future projects, including anti-galvanic replacement of metals and studies of electrochemical growth kinetics. Additionally, we are developing dense gold-nanoparticle-alginate composites through electrophoretic deposition to create advanced metal-aerogels.

We also design hydrogel-supported noble metal nanoparticle catalysts for catalyzing organic compounds with industrial and medicinal applications. Our research includes detecting gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and HAuCl4 using nucleation and amplification electrodeposition strategies on indium tin oxide surfaces, aiming to facilitate environmental monitoring and the indirect detection of chemical and biological analytes, with gold nanoparticles serving as effective markers.

In our efforts to synthesize 0.9 nm and 1.6 nm Au NCs via electrochemical deposition, we focus on producing electrode surfaces coated with high coverages of small metal clusters. This work investigates their size-dependent electrochemical properties for applications in electrocatalysis, sensing, electro-organic synthesis, and energy.

We are also examining electrophoretic deposition studies involving metal nanoparticle-molecule-metal film junctions, with future investigations into electron transfer kinetics, employing redox electrochemistry and seed-mediated growth, characterized by Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance (EC-QCM) and Electrochemical Transmission Electron Microscopy (EC-TEM).

Furthermore, we are engaged in anti-galvanic exchange projects, synthesizing 1.6 nm Au NCs and studying their reactions with metals like Ni, Ag, and Pd to create alloy nanoclusters. This includes exploring the formation of various alloys, such as Au/Ag, Au/Fe, Au/Pt, and Au/Cu, along with their double exchange mechanisms.

Through our multidisciplinary research, we aim to advance the fields of catalysis, sensing, and energy applications, contributing significantly to the understanding and utilization of these nanomaterials.