Laser-induced transformation of supramolecular complexes: approach to controlled formation of hybrid multi-yolk-shell Au-Ag@a-C:H nanostructures

Abstract

In the present work an efficient approach of the controlled formation of hybrid Au–Ag–C nanostructures based on laser-induced transformation of organometallic supramolecular cluster compound is suggested. Herein the one-step process of the laser-induced synthesis of hybrid multi-yolk-shell Au-Ag@a-C:H nanoparticles which are bimetallic gold-silver subnanoclusters dispersed in nanospheres of amorphous hydrogenated a-C:H carbon is reported in details. It has been demonstrated that variation of the experimental parameters such as type of the organometallic precursor, solvent, deposition geometry and duration of laser irradiation allows directed control of nanoparticles’ dimension and morphology. The mechanism of Au-Ag@a-C:H nanoparticles formation is suggested: the photo-excitation of the precursor molecule through metal-to-ligand charge transfer followed by rupture of metallophilic bonds, transformation of the cluster core including red-ox intramolecular reaction and aggregation of heterometallic species that results in the hybrid metal/carbon nanoparticles with multi-yolk-shell architecture formation. It has been found that the nanoparticles obtained can be efficiently used for the Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy label-free detection of human serum albumin in low concentration solution.

Hybrid Orthorhombic Carbon Flakes Intercalated with Bimetallic Au-Ag Nanoclusters: Influence of Synthesis Parameters on Optical Properties

“…A promising method for the fabrication of metal NPs embedded in a carbon matrix has been reported recently [ 22 , 23 ]. It is based on the decomposition of a dissolved supramolecular complex [Au 13 Ag 12 (C 2 Ph) 20 (PPh 2 (C 6 H 4 ) 3 PPh 2 ) 3 ][PF 6 ] 5 (herein called SMC), as a result of laser irradiation of a substrate/solution interface.…”

“…The laser-induced deposition of the hybrid carbon-metal structures is a straight-forward and easy-to-implement procedure that does not require intense laser irradiation or special equipment. This process results in the formation of NPs [ 23 , 24 , 25 ] or other structures such as flakes and flowers [ 26 ] of controllable composition, depending on the chosen SMC and the solvent. An interesting type of structures resulting from this laser-induced process are carbon flakes, which are the first reported orthorhombic form of carbon with embedded Au-Ag nanoclusters.…”

Nanoporous water oxidation electrodes with a low loading of laser-deposited Ru/C exhibit enhanced corrosion stability

“…In this paper, we address this goal with the synthesis of metal/carbon composites via the laser-induced deposition method already described for carbon-encapsulated Ag/Au nanoparticles (AgAu/C) [31–33]. This practically appealing one-step technique bases on the photo-induced decomposition of a dissolved organometallic complex and the subsequent self-organization into hybrid metal/carbon nanostructures with controlled composition and morphology [32]. With the appropriate choice of laser wavelength and solvent, which both need to be adjusted to the absorption behavior of the organometallic complex, metal/carbon composites (M/C) can be generated in a straightforward manner onto the surface of any substrate with 2D or 3D architecture [34].…”

Metal-carbon nanoclusters for SERS

“…Bimetallic complexes of noble metals with particle sizes from 1 to 100 nm in carbon matrix are widely used as materials for implementing surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) [1]. The application of carbon as a matrix, stabilizing metal nanoparticles and preventing their degradation in environment, is interesting and promising [2].…”