Ligand-protected Metal Nanoclusters Research Articles

Photosynthesis of Au8Cu6 nanocluster for photocatalysis in oxidative functionalization of alkynes

Ligand-protected metal nanoclusters provide an ideal platform for investigating photoredox catalysis. The central challenge is balancing their stability and catalytic activity. Here we show a photochemical reduction–oxidation cascade method for synthesizing an Au8Cu6 nanocluster, which features a robust structure and active surface. Photoredox catalytic activity of Au8Cu6 is developed for the functionalization of alkynes under oxidative conditions. Mechanism studies based on the precise structure reveal the catalytic process of the Au8Cu6 nanocluster. Oxidant-dependent selectivity of Au8Cu6 catalysis is developed for chemodivergent synthesis of mono- and di-functionalized products in high efficiency. The results will stimulate more research on metal nanocluster synthesis and catalysis.

Molecule-like synthesis of ligand-protected metal nanoclusters

Molecule-like synthesis of ligand-protected metal nanoclusters

Balancing Pd-H Interactions: Thiolate-Protected Palladium Nanoclusters for Robust and Rapid Hydrogen Gas Sensing.

The transition toward hydrogen gas (H2) as an eco-friendly and renewable energy source necessitates advanced safety technologies, particularly robust sensors for H2 leak detection and concentration monitoring. Although palladium (Pd)-based materials are preferred for their strong H2 affinity, intense palladium-hydrogen (Pd-H) interactions lead to phase transitions to palladium hydride (PdHx), compromising sensors' durability and detection speeds after multiple uses. In response, this study introduces a high-performance H2 sensor designed from thiolate-protected Pd nanoclusters (Pd8SR16), which leverages the synergistic effect between the metal and protective ligands to form an intermediate palladium-hydrogen-sulfur (Pd-H-S) state during H2 adsorption. Striking a balance, it preserves Pd-H binding affinity while preventing excessive interaction, thus lowering the energy required for H2 desorption. The dynamic adsorption-dissociation-recombination-desorption process is efficiently and highly reversible with Pd8SR16, ensuring robust and rapid H2 sensing at parts per million (ppm). The Pd8SR16-based sensor demonstrates exceptional stability (50 cycles; 0.11% standard deviation in response), prompt response/recovery (t90 = 0.95 s/6 s), low limit of detection (LoD, 1ppm), and ambient temperature operability, ranking it among the most sensitive Pd-based H2 sensors. Furthermore, a multifunctional prototype demonstrates the practicality of real-world gas sensing using ligand-protected metal nanoclusters.

Triplet-Mediator Ligand-Protected Metal Nanocluster Sensitizers for Photon Upconversion.

Triplet-triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA-UC) is attracting a great deal of attention as a viable approach to exploit unutilized wavelengths of light in solar-driven devices. Recently, ligand-protected metal nanoclusters have emerged as a compelling platform for serving as triplet sensitizers for TTA-UC. In this study, we developed an atomically precise, triplet-mediator ligand (TL)-protected metal nanocluster, Au2Cu6(S-Adm)6[P(DPA)3]2 (Au2Cu6DPA; S-Adm = 1-adamanthanethiolate, DPA = 9,10-diphenylanthracene). In Au2Cu6DPA, the excitation of the Au2Cu6 core rapidly generates a metal-to-ligand charge transfer state, followed by the formation of the long-lived triplet state (approximately 150 μs) at a DPA site in the TL. By combining Au2Cu6DPA with a DPA annihilator, we achieved a red-to-blue upconversion quantum yield (ΦUCg) of 20.7 ± 0.4% (50% max.) with a low threshold excitation intensity of 36 mW cm-2 at 640 nm. This quantum yield almost reaches the maximum limit achievable using a DPA annihilator and establishes a record-setting value, outperforming previously reported nanocrystal and nanocluster sensitizers. Furthermore, strong upconversion emission based on a pseudo-first-order TTA process was observed under 1 sun illumination, indicating that the Au2Cu6DPA sensitizer holds promise for applications in solar-energy-based systems.

Electrostatic-Driven Self-Assembly of Janus-like Monolayer-Protected Metal Nanoclusters.

The generation of controlled microstructures of functionalized nanoparticles has been a crucial challenge in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Efforts have been made to tune ligand charge states that can affect the aggregation propensity and modulate the self-assembled structures. In this work, we modeled zwitterionic Janus-like monolayer ligand-protected metal nanoclusters (J-MPCs) and studied their self-assembly using atomistic molecular dynamics and on-the-fly probability-based enhanced sampling simulations. The oppositely charged ligand functionalization on two hemispheres of a J-MPC elicits asymmetric solvation, primarily driven by distinctive hydrogen bonding patterns in the ligand-solvent interactions. Electrostatic interactions between the oppositely charged residues in J-MPCs guide the formation of one-dimensional and ring-like self-assembled superstructures with molecular dipoles oriented in specific patterns. The pertinent atomistic insights into the intermolecular interactions governing the self-assembled structures of zwitterionic J-MPCs obtained from this work can be used to design a general strategy to create tunable microstructures of charged MPCs.

Triplet properties and intersystem crossing mechanism of PtAg28 nanocluster sensitizers achieving low threshold and efficient photon upconversion.

Ligand-protected metal nanoclusters have emerged as a promising platform for providing sensitizers for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC). Herein, we report [PtAg28(BDT)12]4- (PtAg28; BDT = 1,3-benzenedithiolate) as a sensitizer enabling TTA-UC at low excitation intensities. PtAg28 exhibits a long-lived triplet state (approximately 7 μs) generated with a 100% intersystem crossing (ISC) quantum yield. The mechanism driving this efficient ISC was unveiled with the aid of theoretical calculations. Specifically, the S1-T1 ISC reveals a small spin-orbit coupling (SOC) matrix element, attributed to their similar electron configuration. In contrast, the T2 state, which is energetically close to S1, features a hole distribution derived from the Py superatomic orbital of the icosahedral Pt@Ag12 core. This distribution enables direct SOC based on the orbital angular momentum change from the S1 state with a Pz-derived hole distribution. Consequently, the efficient ISC was rationalized by the S1 → T2 → T1 pathway. The T1 state possesses a metal core-to-surface metal charge transfer character, facilitating triplet energy transfer and conferring superior sensitization ability. Leveraging these characteristics, the combination of PtAg28 sensitizer with a 9,10-diphenylanthracene annihilator/emitter attained an extremely low UC threshold of 0.81 mW cm-2 at 532 nm excitation, along with efficient green-to-blue TTA-UC with an internal quantum yield (ΦUCg) of 12.2% (50% maximum). This results in a pseudo-first-order TTA process with strong UC emission under 1-sun conditions.

Recent advances in synthesis and properties of silver nanoclusters.

Achieving atomic precision in nanostructured materials is essential for comprehending formation mechanisms and elucidating structure-property relationships. Within the realm of nanoscience and technology, atomically precise ligand-protected noble metal nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as a rapidly expanding area of interest. These clusters manifest quantum confinement-induced optoelectronic, photophysical, and chemical properties, along with remarkable catalytic capabilities. Among coinage metals, silver distinguishes itself for the fabrication of stable nanoclusters, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness compared to gold. This minireview provides an overview of recent advancements since 2020 in synthetic methodologies and ligand selections toward attaining NCs boasting a minimum of two free valence electrons. Additionally, it explores strategies for fine-tuning optical properties. The discussion extends to surface reactivity, elucidating how exposure to ligands, heat, and light induces transformations in size and structure. Of paramount significance are the applications of silver NCs in catalytic reactions for energy and chemical conversion, supplemented by in-depth mechanistic insights. Furthermore, the review delineates challenges and outlines future directions in the NC field, with an eye toward the design of new functional materials and prospective applications in diverse technologies, including optoelectronics, energy conversion, and fine chemical synthesis.

Triplet-triplet annihilation-based photon upconversion using nanoparticles and nanoclusters.

The phenomenon of photon upconversion (UC), generating high-energy photons from low-energy photons, has attracted significant attention. In particular, triplet-triplet annihilation-based UC (TTA-UC) has been achieved by combining the excitation states of two types of molecules, called the sensitizer and emitter (or annihilator). With TTA-UC, it is possible to convert weak, incoherent near-infrared (NIR) light, which constitutes half of the solar radiation intensity, into ultraviolet and visible light that are suitable for the operation of light-responsive functional materials or devices such as solar cells and photocatalysts. Research on TTA-UC is being conducted worldwide, often employing materials with high intersystem crossing rates, such as metal porphyrins, as sensitizers. This review summarizes recent research and trends in triplet energy transfer and TTA-UC for semiconductor nanoparticles or nanocrystals with diameters in the nanometer range, also known as quantum dots, and for ligand-protected metal nanoclusters, which have even smaller well-defined sub-nanostructures. Concerning nanoparticles, transmitter ligands have been applied on the surface of the nanoparticles to efficiently transfer triplet excitons formed inside the nanoparticles to emitters. Applications are expanding to solid-state UC devices that convert NIR light to visible light. Additionally, there is active research in the development of sensitizers using more cost-effective and environmentally friendly elements. Regarding metal nanoclusters, methods have been established for the evaluation of excited states, deepening the understanding of luminescent properties and excited relaxation processes.

Ligand-protected metal nanoclusters as low-loss, highly polarized emitters for optical waveguides.

Photoluminescent molecules and nanomaterials have potential applications as active waveguides, but such a use has often been limited by high optical losses and complex fabrication processes. We explored ligand-protected metal nanoclusters (LPMNCs), which can have strong, stable, and tunable emission, as waveguides. Two alloy LPMNCs, Pt1Ag18 and AuxAg19-x (7 ≤ x ≤ 9), were synthesized and structurally determined. Crystals of both exhibited excellent optical waveguide performance, with optical loss coefficients of 5.26 × 10-3 and 7.77 × 10-3 decibels per micrometer, respectively, lower than those demonstrated by most inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials. The crystal packing and molecular orientation of the Pt1Ag18 compound led to an extremely high polarization ratio of 0.91. Aggregation enhanced the quantum yields of Pt1Ag18 and AuxAg19-x LPMNCs by 115- and 1.5-fold, respectively. This photonic cluster with low loss and high polarization provides a generalizable and versatile platform for active waveguides and polarizable materials.

Programmable kernel structures of atomically precise metal nanoclusters for tailoring catalytic properties.

The unclear structures and polydispersity of metal nanoparticles (NPs) seriously hamper the identification of the active sites and the construction of structure-reactivity relationships. Fortunately, ligand-protected metal nanoclusters (NCs) with atomically precise structures and monodispersity have become an ideal candidate for understanding the well-defined correlations between structure and catalytic property at an atomic level. The programmable kernel structures of atomically precise metal NCs provide a fantastic chance to modulate their size, shape, atomic arrangement, and electron state by the precise modulating of the number, type, and location of metal atoms. Thus, the special focus of this review highlights the most recent process in tailoring the catalytic activity and selectivity over metal NCs by precisely controlling their kernel structures. This review is expected to shed light on the in-depth understanding of metal NCs' kernel structures and reactivity relationships.

Understanding ligand-protected noble metal nanoclusters at work

Understanding ligand-protected noble metal nanoclusters at work

Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction over Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters Protected by Organic Ligands.

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising method to realize carbon recycling and sustainable development because of its mild reaction conditions and capability to utilize the electric power generated by renewable energy such as solar, wind, or tidal energy to produce high-value-added liquid fuels and chemicals. However, it is still a great challenge to deeply understand the reaction mechanism of CO2RRs involving multiple chemical processes and multiple products due to the complexity of the traditional catalyst's surface. Organic ligand-protected metal nanoclusters (NCs) with accurate compositions and definite atom packing structures show advantages for revealing the reaction mechanism of CO2RRs. This Review focuses on the recent progress in CO2RRs catalyzed by atomically precise metal NCs, including gold, copper, and silver NCs. Particularly, the influences of charge, ligand, surface structure, doping of Au NCs, and binders on the CO2RR are discussed in detail. Meanwhile the reaction mechanisms of CO2RRs including the active sites and the key reaction intermediates are also discussed. It is expected that progress in this research area could promote the development of metal NCs and CO2RRs.

(Invited) Ligand-Protected Metal Nanoclusters: Recent Development in Synthesis and Application in Energy and Environmental Field

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), which are composed of about 250 or fewer metal atoms, possess great potential as novel functional materials. Fundamental research on metal NCs gradually started in the 1960s, and since 2000, thiolate (SR)-protected metal NCs have been the main metal NCs actively studied. The precise and systematic isolation of SR-protected metal NCs has been achieved in 2005. Since then, research on SR-protected metal NCs for both basic science and practical application has rapidly expanded. This presentation demonstrates our recent study on alloy NCs, connected structures composed of NCs, the applications of NCs in the energy and environmental field. This presentation provides insight on the current state of research on SR-protected metal NCs and discusses the challenges to be overcome for further development in this field as well as the possibilities that these materials can contribute to solving the problems facing modern society. Figure 1

Ligand Shell Isomerization Induces Different Fluorescence Origins of Two Au28 Nanoclusters.

Understanding the origin of the photoluminescence (PL) phenomenon in ligand-protected metal nanoclusters is of paramount importance in both fundamental science and practical applications. In this study, we have studied the origin of fluorescence emission of two thiolate-ligand-protected Au28 clusters (Au28(CHT)20 and Au28(TBBT)20) by means of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. Theoretical calculation results show that the ligand shell isomerization induces different ligand motif-to-metal core charge transfers (LMCT) of Au28(TBBT)20 and Au28(CHT)20. Moreover, in Au28(CHT)20, the emission process of S2 → S0 can compete favorably with the internal conversion of S2 → S1. Furthermore, the high quantum yield of Au28(CHT)20 is attributed to its high symmetric structure, which leads to less energy dissipation during the structural relaxation process.

Diversification of Metallic Molecules through Derivatization Chemistry of Au25 Nanoclusters.

Derivatization is the fine chemistry that can produce chemical compounds from similar precursors and has been widely used in the field of organic synthesis to achieve diversification of molecular properties and functionalities. Ligand-protected metal nanoclusters (NCs) are metallic molecules with a definite molecular formula, well-defined molecular structure, and molecular-like physical and chemical properties. Unlike organic compounds, which have almost infinite species, until now only hundreds of metal NC species have been discovered, and only a few of them have been structurally resolved. Therefore, the diversification of NC species and functions is highly desirable in nanoscience and nanochemistry. As an efficient approach for generating a library of compounds from a given precursor, derivatization chemistry is not only applicable in producing new organic compounds but also a promising strategy for generating new metal NC species with intriguing properties and functions. The key to the derivatization of metal NCs is to design an efficient derivatization reaction suitable for metal NCs and spontaneously realize the customization of this special macromolecule (metallic molecule) at the atomic and molecular level.In this Account, we use the flagship thiolate-protected NC Au25SR18 (SR denotes a thiolate ligand) as a model to illustrate the derivatization chemistry of metal NCs. In the past 3 years we have developed various derivatization reactions of Au25SR18, including isomerization, redox, ligand addition, alloying, and self-assembly reactions. We discuss the mechanisms that govern these reactions to realize precise customization of the NC structure, size, surface, composition, and interactions. It is particularly noteworthy that advanced techniques such as real-time electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy enable us to have an atomic- and molecular-level understanding of the reaction mechanisms, which will further promote our efforts to design derivatization reactions for metal NCs. Through these delicate derivatization reactions, we can produce Au25SR18 derivatives with new physical, chemical, and biological properties, including electronic structures, photoluminescence, surface reactivity, and antimicrobial properties. Finally, we provide our perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of metal NC derivatization.The derivatization chemistry of metal NCs can not only diversify the properties and functions of metal NCs but also help us understand the structure-property relationship and design principles of metal nanomaterials, which will help advance the research frontier of nanoscience toward atomic precision.

Raman Spectroscopic Fingerprints of Atomically Precise Ligand Protected Noble Metal Clusters: Au38 (PET)24 and Au38-x Agx (PET)24.

Distinct Raman spectroscopic signatures of the metal core of atomically precise, ligand-protected noble metal nanoclusters are reported using Au38 (PET)24 and Au38-x Agx (PET)24 (PET = 2-phenylethanethiolate, -SC2 H4 C6 H5 ) as model systems. The fingerprint Raman features (occurring <200 cm-1 ) of these clusters arise due to the vibrations involving metal atoms of their Au23 or Au23-x Agx cores. A distinct core breathing vibrational mode of the Au23 core has been observed at 90 cm-1 . Whereas the breathing mode shifts to higher frequencies with increasing Ag content of the cluster, the vibrational signatures due to the outer metal-ligand staple motifs (between 200 and 500 cm-1 ) do not shift significantly. DFT calculations furthermore reveal weak Raman bands at higher frequencies compared to the breathing mode, which are associated mostly with the rattling of two central gold atoms of the bi-icosahedral Au23 core. These vibrations are also observed in the experimental spectrum. The study indicates that low-frequency Raman spectra are a characteristic fingerprint of atomically precise clusters, just as electronic absorption spectroscopy, in contrast to the spectrum associated with the ligand shell, which is observed at higher frequencies.

Engineering reversible isomerization at the nanoscale via intermolecular interactions

Engineering reversible isomerization at the nanoscale via intermolecular interactions

Reversible isomerization of metal nanoclusters induced by intermolecular interaction

Reversible isomerization of metal nanoclusters induced by intermolecular interaction

High photoluminescence from self-assembled Ag2Cl2(dppe)2 clusters through metallophilic interactions.

Ligand protected metal nanoclusters (NCs) are an emerging class of functional materials with intriguing photophysical and chemical properties. The size and molecular structure play an important role in endowing NCs with characteristic optical and electronic properties. Modulation of these properties through the chemical reactivity of NCs is largely unexplored. Here, we report on the synthesis of self-assembled Ag2Cl2(dppe)2 clusters through the ligand-exchange-induced transformation of [Pt2Ag23Cl7(PPh3)10] NCs [(dppe): 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; (PPh3): triphenylphosphine]. The single crystal x-ray structure reveals that two Ag atoms are bridged by one dppe and two Cl ligands, forming a Ag2Cl2(dppe) cluster, which is subsequently self-assembled through dppe ligands to form [Ag2Cl2(dppe)2]n. Importantly, the Ag2Cl2(dppe)2 cluster assembly exhibits high photoluminescence quantum yield: ∼18%, which is attributed to the metallophilic interactions and rigidification of the ligand shell. We hope that this work will motivate the exploitation of the chemical reactivity of NCs as a new path to attain cluster assemblies endowed with enhanced photophysical properties.

Pressure-Induced Optical Transitions in Metal Nanoclusters.

Currently, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between atomic structures and optical properties of ultrasmall metal nanoclusters with diameters between 1 and 3 nm is lacking. To address this challenge, it is necessary to develop tools for perturbing the atomic structure and modulating the optical properties of metal nanoclusters beyond what can be achieved using synthetic chemistry. Here, we present a systematic high-pressure study on a series of atomically precise ligand-protected metal nanoclusters. A diamond anvil cell is used as a high-pressure chamber to gradually compress the metal nanoclusters, while their optical properties are monitored in situ. Our experimental results show that the photoluminescence (PL) of these nanoclusters is enhanced by up to 2 orders of magnitude at pressures up to 7 GPa. The absorption onset red-shifts with increasing pressure up to ∼12 GPa. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the red-shift arises because of narrowing of the spacing between discrete energy levels of the cluster due to delocalization of the core electrons to the carbon ligands. The pressure-induced PL enhancement is ascribed to (i) the enhancement of the near-band-edge transition strength, (ii) suppression of the nonradiative vibrations, and (iii) hindrance of the excited-state structural distortions. Overall, our results demonstrate that high pressure is an effective tool for modulating the optical properties and improving the luminescence brightness of metal nanoclusters. The insights into structure-property relations obtained here also contribute to the rational design of metal nanoclusters for various optical applications.