Our group is a heavy user of the Canadian Light Source, which is on campus at the University of Saskatchewan. Over the past decade, we have developed a number of in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy cells that allow us to follow changes in metal speciation in cluster and nanoparticle catalysts during catalytic events. These include liquid cells in which quasi-homogenous nanoparticles are interrogated while suspended in solution, and high-temperature heterogeneous catalysis setups that have allowed us to follow Pd speciation under in situ conditions during methane oxidation reactions. We have a strong ongoing collaboration with the group of Natalia Semagina at the University of Alberta following methane oxidation and reforming catalysts. In addition, we work closely with beamline scientists on high, tender, and low-energy lines, and in particular with Dr. Yongfeng Hu on SXRMB for the development of catalytic cells for in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Our research in this area has focused on the development of thiolate-protected Au, Ag, and bimetallic atom-precise clusters. In particular, we have focused on the development of clusters which have functional handles that can allow for subsequent chemistry to occur on the surface of the cluster. We also examine the clusters as catalysts for selective oxidation and reduction reactions, both as intact clusters and after mild activation of the clusters to remove some or all of the thiolate ligands. Characterization methods include electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Canadian Light Source.