Metal Nanoclusters as Versatile Building Blocks for Hierarchical Structures

Abstract

Atomically precise monolayer-protected metal clusters (nanoclusters) are currently in the focus of interest due to their strongly size-dependent properties, which gives rise to different applications, and the possibility to study the evolution of structure as a function of size. The use of truly monodisperse metal clusters as building blocks for the preparation of hierarchical structures offers exciting possibilities for the design of new materials. In this overview article we describe the current state of the art in the field of assembly of nanoclusters in one, two and three dimensions. The nanoclusters show rich chemistry that can be used for their assembly. Several reports indicate that, within the assemblies of clusters, their photoluminescence is enhanced. Although there is already a considerable body of reports on the assembly of nanoclusters, we believe that much more exciting properties of nanocluster assemblies will be discovered in the future.

Enhanced nonlinear optical properties of Au25 nanocluster oligomers linked by bidentate dithiol

“…4 Their strictly defined structure and size places them on the bridge between molecular and metal-like structures, 5 which makes them perfect building blocks for functional superstructures with programmable properties. 6 Recently, a variety of experimental protocols based on dithiol linkers ( e.g. benzene-1,4-dithiol) were used to prepare and then separate covalently linked aggregates of atomically-precise GNCs ( e.g.…”

Enhanced nonlinear optical properties of Au25 nanocluster oligomers linked by bidentate dithiol

“…Their strictly defined structure and sizes places them on the bridge between molecular and metal-like structures 5 , which makes them perfect building blocks for the functional superstructures with programmable properties. 6 Recently, a variety of experimental protocols based on dithiol linkers (e.g. benzene-1,4-dithiol) were used to prepare and then separate covalently linked aggregates of atomically-precise GNCs (e.g.…”

Strong Chiroptical Activity in Cobalt Oxide/Hydroxide Nanoparticles Passivated by Chiral Nonthiol Amino Acid Proline

“…Over recent years, intensive research on monolayer-protected metal (gold and silver) nanoclusters has been conducted to elucidate their size-/structure-tunable physicochemical properties, − and in particular, a new concept of nanoscale chirality as a function of the dimension has gained significant importance in fundamental nanoscience/nanotechnology. − For example, unlike the R -/ S -chirality found in organic molecules, additional considerations of the relative positions of atomic coordination and surfaces are required to define the chirality in the nanoclusters. , Successful synthesis of various chiral metal nanoclusters has provided characteristic structure–property relationships and thus stimulated relevant research on, for example, semiconductor nanomaterials with chirality . In the field of nanosized semiconductors, transition metal oxide (TMO) nanoparticles with chirality are a newly developed research area attracting tremendous attention because of their fascinating features in their nonstoichiometry even though the key challenges on systematic control for the synthesis and characterization are still unresolved and thus ongoing .…”