Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) are relatively a new class of nanomaterials consisting of only tens of core atoms and display “molecule-like” distinct optical properties. Numerous nanoclusters of Au, Ag, Pd, Cu, etc. and their alloys have been synthesized via various synthetic routes. They find applications in several areas including but not limited to catalysis, sensing, imaging, drug delivery and in solar cells. There are limited reports available on using macrocycles, such as calixarenes and cyclodextrins, as ligands for NC synthesis. These macrocycles offer intrinsic cavities and supramolecular properties that dictates their host-guest interactions. In this work, pillararenes capped AgNCs are synthesized and their host-guest interactions are studied. Even though there are reports on pillararene functionalized plasmonic nanoparticles and other nanosystems, there is no report on the synthesis of pillararene functionalized NCs till date to the best of our knowledge. Since many electron-rich hydroquinones are in close proximity, pillararenes can host electron-poor and neutral species. By carefully selecting the guest molecule, this system can be employed in several applications including sensing, separation and drug delivery.

Pillar[5]arene-functionalized silver nanoclusters: Synthesis and host-guest induced vast PL enhancement

2019 Spring National Meeting

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