Abstract
This study explores the sonocatalytic activity of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) combined with titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanoparticles, forming Au NCs/TiO(2) composites. The hybrid material significantly enhances hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation under ultrasonic conditions, attributed to high-energy cavitation bubbles formed during ultrasonication. The effects of frequency (200, 430, and 950 kHz) and power were systematically evaluated on Au(144)/TiO(2) composites, identifying 430 kHz as optimal for •OH production due to its efficient cavitation energy. Au(144) NCs function as electron traps, reducing electron-hole recombination in ultrasonically activated TiO(2), thereby improving charge separation and enhancing •OH generation. Size-dependent effects were also studied, showing an efficiency trend of Au(144) > Au(25) > plasmonic Au nanoparticles > bare TiO(2). These findings highlight the importance of ultrasonication frequency and Au NC size in optimizing sonocatalytic performance in the Au NCs/TiO(2) composites, providing valuable insights for designing advanced sonocatalysts with applications in chemical synthesis, environmental remediation, and biomedical fields.