The bis(p-sulfonatophenyl)phenylphosphine-assisted synthesis and phase transfer of ultrafine gold nanoclusters

Abstract

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) have attracted intensive attention for their molecular-like properties such as luminescence and unique charging behavior. A facile route has been developed for the preparation of ultrafine Au NCs at room temperature. Bis(p-sulfonatophenyl)phenylphosphine dihydrate dipotassium was used to stabilize the Au NCs obtained by NaBH4 reduction of HAuCl4 at pH of ∼12 and facilitated the phase transfer of Au NCs from aqueous phase to an organic medium based on electrostatic interaction. From the analyses of TEM, HRTEM, and XRD patterns, the formation of fcc structured Au NCs dominated by {200} facets was identified. The Au NCs transferred into toluene could be used as seeds for the formation of core–shell Au@Ag2S nanoparticles, providing for a promising strategy for the metal doping in semiconductor nanocrystals.