Since the advent of nanotechnology in the mid-1980s, metal nanoparticles have attracted tremendous interest due to their unique properties which make them suitable for diverse applications. However, conventional metal nanoparticles are inherently polydisperse which makes understanding their structure-property relationships at the atomic level a Herculean task. This, in turn, hampers the complete realization of their target functional properties in real-world applications. Hence, recent research efforts in the field have focused on developing highly stable, atomically precise metal clusters (primarily, Au), which allow accurate structure-property correlations. This talk will highlight the role of ligands in dictating the observed physicochemical properties of such structurally well-resolved metal clusters. Specifically, we will focus on a series of Au clusters, the structures of which feature a centered-icosahedral Au13 ‘superatom’ kernel. Using clusters with this common structural motif, we will demonstrate the effects of ligand shells of different binding strengths on the cluster’s observed properties, including its stability, reactivity, and catalytic properties. Additionally, we will demonstrate how physicochemical properties of such clusters can be tailored by using mixed ligands (e.g., a combination of electronegative and electroneutral ligands) for desired applications.

Mixed monolayer-protected metal clusters: Controlling properties through ligand shell design

ACS Spring 2022

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