LAUSR

With advances in cluster chemistry, atomically precise gold nanoclusters (NCs) with well-defined composition and tunable structure provide an exciting opportunity to uncover the specific roles of the geometrical and electronic structures as well as the capped ligands in overall catalytic performances. The Au NCs possess quantum energy levels and unique optical properties, which have exhibited unexpected photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activities. In this review, we first highlight the electro-catalytic applications of Au NCs, including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, CO2 reduction and catalytic oxidation reactions, and then present Au NCs-driven photocatalytic applications such as selective organic reactions, decomposition of pollutants and energy conversion reactions. Finally, we conclude this review with a brief perspective on the catalytic field of Au NCs.