Dynamic observations of Au catalysts by environmental electron microscopy

Au clusters in the size range (1–8 nm), supported on MgO and TiO2, are studied at the atomic scale by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), in standard conditions and during cycles of gas treatments by environmental HRTEM. Their morphology, the structure of the interface with the substrate and their adhesion energy are deduced from top and profile views, according to the preparation techniques, by atomic deposition in ultra high vacuum or by deposition precipitation in wet conditions.