The current understanding of the
synthesis mechanisms of noble
metal clusters is limited, in particular for Ag clusters. Here, we
present a detailed investigation into the synthesis process of atomically
monodisperse Ag29 clusters, prepared via reduction of AgNO3 in the presence of dithiolate ligands. Using optical spectroscopy,
mass spectrometry, and X-ray spectroscopy, it was determined that
the synthesis involves a rapid nucleation and growth to species with
up to a few hundred Ag atoms. From these larger species, Ag29 clusters are formed and their concentration increases steadily over
time. Oxygen plays an important role in the etching of large particles
to Ag29. No other stable Ag cluster species are observed
at any point during the synthesis.