Structure of a Thiol Monolayer-Protected Gold Nanoparticle at 1.1 Å Resolution

Abstract

Structural information on nanometer-sized gold particles has been limited, due in part to the problem of preparing homogeneous material. Here we report the crystallization and x-ray structure determination of a p-mercaptobenzoic acid (p-MBA)-protected gold nanoparticle, which comprises 102 gold atoms and 44 p-MBAs. The central gold atoms are packed in a Marks decahedron, surrounded by additional layers of gold atoms in unanticipated geometries. The p-MBAs interact not only with the gold but also with one another, forming a rigid surface layer. The particles are chiral, with the two enantiomers alternating in the crystal lattice. The discrete nature of the particle may be explained by the closing of a 58-electron shell.

DNA-stabilized, fluorescent, metal nanoclusters for biosensor development

“…Crystallography is more useful for NCs stabilized by small molecules [75][76][77][78], where the ligands are often a thiol-containing compound. Since it is more difficult to produce single crystals with DNA, mass spectrometry is a more widely used tool.…”

Gold nanoparticle modifies nitric oxide release and vasodilation in rat aorta

“…We obtained AuNPs around 10 nm measured by intensity of size distribution using Zeta Sizer (Malvern Instruments). AuNPs and thiol 4-aminopirydine (4PySH) exhibit high chemical affinity [27]. Therefore, the AuNPs-{Ru-4PySH} n cluster formation was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy of 3.32 mL AuNPs before (plasmon band in 520 nm at time zero) and after the addition of 10 μL Ru-4PySH 1.38 mmol/L.…”

Noble metal alloy clusters in the gas phase derived from protein templates: unusual recognition of palladium by gold

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Intense luminescence, unusual catalysis, novel physical properties (such as magnetism) have made these systems subjects of passionate research. Despite the discovery of numerous clusters with diverse composition, only four clusters, namely, Au 25 (SR) 18,7,11 Au 38 (SR) 24,23 Au 102 (SR) 40 , 24 and most recently Au 36 (SR) 24 26 have been crystallized so far. The possibility to modify the composition by alloying the core has been explored in several cases.…”

“…The possibility to modify the composition by alloying the core has been explored in several cases. Recently, Au 24 Pd(SR) 18 27 and Au 36 Pd 2 (SR) 24 28 have been characterized. Along with monolayer protected clusters, analogous systems with macromolecular protection, especially in protein templates, have also been made.…”