Bimetallic nanoalloys display novel properties and functions defined by the metal composition and the synergistic effects from the surface. The impacts of surface increase as the overall nanoalloy size decreases to a few nanometers or less, or novel surface bond structures emerge. Here in, we describe the synthesis of bimetallic nanoclusters composed of copper and gold cores stabilized by a mixed monolayer of dithiolate durene (Durene-DT) and monothiolate phenylethanethiol (PhC2S) ligands. Via the variation of synthetic conditions, unique Cu-Au nanoclusters are obtained. Discrete absorption bands and near infrared (IR) photoluminescence are observed in optical studies. Electrochemical measurements reveal the activities such as quantized double charging at lower potential window and Cu redox signals. The nanoclusters are characterized by 1H NMR, mass spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, etc. Ongoing studies include further elucidation of the chemical composition and structures, especially the metal-thiolate interactions at the core-ligand interfaces.

Bimetallic copper-gold nanoclusters protected with mixed dithiolate and monothiol ligands

245th National Meeting (2013)

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