Monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles (MPNs) are the fundamental functioning units/building blocks for many promising applications in the emerging fields of nano-electronics, nano-optics, nano-sensing, and nano-medicine. The chemistry of metal core�protecting monolayer interface, which consists of bonds between the anchoring element from the protecting monolayer and the underlying metal surface atoms, largely governs, among others, the metal NP stabilization, electrical conductance through metal�molecular wire junctions, and chemical reactions taking place at the interface. This chemistry is also fundamentally relevant to the field of molecular electronics. While S has been and still is the prevailingly used anchoring element in MPNs, increasing evidence has shown that the most studied Au�S bond may not be the optimal one according to Pearson's hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle. As such, research on alternative anchoring elements or groups that would offer better enabling capability has been gaining increasing tractions recently. In this presentation, we will discuss results from our recent research on exploring chalcogen, particularly heavier chalcogen (Se and Te), interfacial chemistry and its effect on charge transfer in MPNs and their assemblies.

Exploring chalcogen interfacial chemistry for charge transfer in monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles

247th National Meeting (2014)

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