Statistical distribution of single atoms and clusters of supported Au catalyst analyzed by global high-resolution HAADF-STEM observation with morphological image-processing operation.

We have developed a quantitative particle size analytical method at the single atomic level employing electron microscopy and image processing for the investigation of supported metal catalysts. In the present study, a supported gold (Au) catalyst containing sub-nano clusters and individual atoms was globally observed by high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) using spherical aberration (Cs)-corrected TEM. To fully extract structural information of the Au clusters and individual atoms from the HAADF-STEM images, a morphological image-processing operation was applied. The resulting mean particle size was in good agreement with particle sizes estimated from average information provided by X-ray absorption fine structure analysis. It is demonstrated that the present HAADF-STEM image analysis gives a quantitative particle size distribution measurement of supported Au clusters and individual atoms.