Nanomaterials

Editorial

3 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures

by Rodolphe Antoine

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10020377 - 21 Feb 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2838

Abstract

Supramolecular chemistry is defined as chemistry beyond the molecule [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

9 pages, 2536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

6-Aza-2-Thio-Thymine Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters as Photoluminescent Probe for Protein Detection

by Hao-Hua Deng, Xiao-Qiong Shi, Paramasivam Balasubramanian, Kai-Yuan Huang, Ying-Ying Xu, Zhong-Nan Huang, Hua-Ping Peng and Wei Chen

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10020281 - 7 Feb 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3436

Abstract

This study puts forward an efficient method for protein detection in virtue of the tremendous fluorescence enhancement property of 6-aza-2-thio-thymine protected gold nanoclusters (ATT-AuNCs). In-depth studies of the protein-induced photoluminescence enhancement mechanism illustrate the mechanism of the interaction between ATT-AuNCs and protein. This [...] Read more.

This study puts forward an efficient method for protein detection in virtue of the tremendous fluorescence enhancement property of 6-aza-2-thio-thymine protected gold nanoclusters (ATT-AuNCs). In-depth studies of the protein-induced photoluminescence enhancement mechanism illustrate the mechanism of the interaction between ATT-AuNCs and protein. This new-established probe enables feasible and sensitive quantification of the concentrations of total protein in real samples, such as human serum, human plasma, milk, and cell extracts. The results of this proposed method are in good agreement with those determined by the classical bicinchoninic acid method (BCA method). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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12 pages, 2305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Lamellar Gold Thiolate Coordination Polymer, [Au(m-SPhCO₂H)]_n, for the Formation of Luminescent Polymer Composites

by Oleksandra Veselska, Nathalie Guillou, Gilles Ledoux, Chia-Ching Huang, Katerina Dohnalova Newell, Erik Elkaïm, Alexandra Fateeva and Aude Demessence

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(10), 1408; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101408 - 2 Oct 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3536

Abstract

The photoluminescence of gold thiolate clusters brings about many potential applications, but its origin is still elusive because of its complexity. A strategy in understanding the structure–properties relationship is to study closely related neutral gold thiolate coordination polymers (CPs). Here, a new CP [...] Read more.

The photoluminescence of gold thiolate clusters brings about many potential applications, but its origin is still elusive because of its complexity. A strategy in understanding the structure–properties relationship is to study closely related neutral gold thiolate coordination polymers (CPs). Here, a new CP is reported, [Au(m-SPhCO₂H)]_n. Its structure is lamellar with an inorganic layer made of Au–S–Au–S helical chains, similar to the [Au(p-SPhCO₂H)]_n analog. An in-depth study of its photophysical properties revealed that it is a bright yellow phosphorescent emitter with a band centered at 615 nm and a quantum yield (QY) of 19% at room temperature and in a solid state. More importantly, a comparison to the para-analog, which has a weak emission, displayed a strong effect of the position of the electron withdrawing group (EWG) on the luminescent properties. In addition, [Au(m-SPhCO₂H)]_n CPs were mixed with organic polymers to generate transparent and flexible luminescent thin films. The ability to tune the emission position with the appropriate contents makes these nontoxic polymer composites promising materials for lighting devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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14 pages, 2775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Evidence of the Bidentate Binding Mode in 3-MBA Protected Gold Clusters: Analysis of Aqueous 13–18 kDa Gold-Thiolate Clusters by HPLC-ESI-MS Reveals Special Compositions Au_n(3-MBA)_p, (n = 48–67, p = 26–30)

by David M. Black, M. Mozammel Hoque, Germán Plascencia-Villa and Robert L. Whetten

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(9), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9091303 - 11 Sep 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3289

Abstract

Gold clusters protected by 3-MBA ligands (MBA = mercaptobenzoic acid, –SPhCO₂H) have attracted recent interest due to their unusual structures and their advantageous ligand-exchange and bioconjugation properties. Azubel et al. first determined the core structure of an Au₆₈-complex, which [...] Read more.

Gold clusters protected by 3-MBA ligands (MBA = mercaptobenzoic acid, –SPhCO₂H) have attracted recent interest due to their unusual structures and their advantageous ligand-exchange and bioconjugation properties. Azubel et al. first determined the core structure of an Au₆₈-complex, which was estimated to have 32 ligands (3-MBA groups). To explain the exceptional structure-composition and reaction properties of this complex, and its larger homologs, Tero et al. proposed a “dynamic stabilization” via carboxyl O–H––Au interactions. Herein, we report the first results of an integrated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer (LC/MS) analysis of unfractionated samples of gold/3-MBA clusters, spanning a narrow size range 13.4 to 18.1 kDa. Using high-throughput procedures adapted from bio-macromolecule analyses, we show that integrated capillary high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-MS), based on aqueous-methanol mobile phases and ion-pairing reverse-phase chromatography, can separate several major components from the nanoclusters mixture that may be difficult to resolve by standard native gel electrophoresis due to their similar size and charge. For each component, one obtains a well-resolved mass spectrum, nearly free of adducts or signs of fragmentation. A consistent set of molecular mass determinations is calculated from detected charge-states tunable from 3− (or lower), to 2+ (or higher). One thus arrives at a series of new compositions (n, p) specific to the Au/3-MBA system. The smallest major component is assigned to the previously unknown (48, 26); the largest one is evidently (67, 30), vs. the anticipated (68, 32). Various explanations for this discrepancy are considered. A prospective is given for the various members of this novel series, along with a summary of the advantages and present limitations of the micro-scale integrated LC/MS approach in characterizing such metallic-core macro-molecules, and their derivatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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14 pages, 3465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Decoration of Gold Nanoparticles on Graphene Oxide via Nanosecond Laser Ablation for Remarkable Chemical Sensing and Catalysis

by Parvathy Nancy, Anju K Nair, Rodolphe Antoine, Sabu Thomas and Nandakumar Kalarikkal

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(9), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9091201 - 26 Aug 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5721

Abstract

Gold decorated graphene-based nano-hybrids find extensive research interest due to their enhanced chemical catalytic performance and biochemical sensing. The unique physicochemical properties and the very large surface area makes them propitious platform for the rapid buildouts of science and technology. Graphene serves as [...] Read more.

Gold decorated graphene-based nano-hybrids find extensive research interest due to their enhanced chemical catalytic performance and biochemical sensing. The unique physicochemical properties and the very large surface area makes them propitious platform for the rapid buildouts of science and technology. Graphene serves as an outstanding matrix for anchoring numerous nanomaterials because of its atomically thin 2D morphological features. Herein, we have designed a metal-graphene nano-hybrid through pulsed laser ablation. Commercially available graphite powder was employed for the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) using modified Hummers’ method. A solid, thin gold (Au) foil was ablated in an aqueous suspension of GO using second harmonic wavelength (532 nm) of the Nd:YAG laser for immediate generation of the Au-GO nano-hybrid. The synthesis strategy employed here does not entail any detrimental chemical reagents and hence avoids the inclusion of reagent byproducts to the reaction mixture, toxicity, and environmental or chemical contamination. Optical and morphological characterizations were performed to substantiate the successful anchoring of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the GO sheets. Remarkably, these photon-generated nano-hybrids can act as an excellent surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platform for the sensing/detection of the 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) with a very low detection limit of 1 × 10⁻¹² M and preserves better reproducibility also. In addition, these hybrid materials were found to act as an effective catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Thus, this is a rapid, mild, efficient and green synthesis approach for the fabrication of active organometallic sensors and catalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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12 pages, 3912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Perspectives on the Electronic and Geometric Structure of Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ Cluster: Superatomic-Network Core Protected by Novel Au₁₂(µ₃-S)₁₀ Staple Motifs

by Zhimei Tian, Yangyang Xu and Longjiu Cheng

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(8), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9081132 - 6 Aug 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3391

Abstract

In order to increase the understanding of the recently synthesized Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster, we used the divide and protect concept and superatom network model (SAN) to study the electronic and geometric of the cluster. According to the [...] Read more.

In order to increase the understanding of the recently synthesized Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster, we used the divide and protect concept and superatom network model (SAN) to study the electronic and geometric of the cluster. According to the experimental coordinates of the cluster, the study of Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster was carried out using density functional theory calculations. Based on the superatom complex (SAC) model, the number of the valence electrons of the cluster is 30. It is not the number of valence electrons satisfied for a magic cluster. According to the concept of divide and protect, Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster can be viewed as Au-core protected by various staple motifs. On the basis of SAN model, the Au-core is composed of a union of 2e-superatoms, and 2e-superatoms can be Au₃, Au₄, Au₅, or Au₆. Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster should contain fifteen 2e-superatoms on the basis of SAN model. On analyzing the chemical bonding features of Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂, we showed that the electronic structure of it has a network of fifteen 2e-superatoms, abbreviated as 15 × 2e SAN. On the basis of the divide and protect concept, Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster can be viewed as Au₄₆¹⁶⁺[Au₁₂(µ₃-S)₁₀⁸⁻]₂[PPh₃]₁₂. The Au₄₆¹⁶⁺ core is composed of one Au₂₂¹²⁺ innermost core and ten surrounding 2e-Au₄ superatoms. The Au₂₂¹²⁺ innermost core can either be viewed as a network of five 2e-Au₆ superatoms, or be considered as a 10e-superatomic molecule. This new segmentation method can properly explain the structure and stability of Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster. A novel extended staple motif [Au₁₂(µ₃-S)₁₀]⁸⁻ was discovered, which is a half-cage with ten µ₃-S units and six teeth. The six teeth staple motif enriches the family of staple motifs in ligand-protected Au clusters. Au₇₀S₂₀(PPh₃)₁₂ cluster derives its stability from SAN model and aurophilic interactions. Inspired by the half-cage motif, we design three core-in-cage clusters with cage staple motifs, Cu₆@Au₁₂(μ₃-S)₈, Ag₆@Au₁₂(μ₃-S)₈ and Au₆@Au₁₂(μ₃-S)₈, which exhibit high thermostability and may be synthesized in future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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13 pages, 4255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gold Nanoclusters: Bridging Gold Complexes and Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Photophysical Properties

by Meng Zhou, Chenjie Zeng, Qi Li, Tatsuya Higaki and Rongchao Jin

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(7), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9070933 - 28 Jun 2019

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8899

Abstract

Recent advances in the determination of crystal structures and studies of optical properties of gold nanoclusters in the size range from tens to hundreds of gold atoms have started to reveal the grand evolution from gold complexes to nanoclusters and further to plasmonic [...] Read more.

Recent advances in the determination of crystal structures and studies of optical properties of gold nanoclusters in the size range from tens to hundreds of gold atoms have started to reveal the grand evolution from gold complexes to nanoclusters and further to plasmonic nanoparticles. However, a detailed comparison of their photophysical properties is still lacking. Here, we compared the excited state behaviors of gold complexes, nanolcusters, and plasmonic nanoparticles, as well as small organic molecules by choosing four typical examples including the Au₁₀ complex, Au₂₅ nanocluster (1 nm metal core), 13 diameter Au nanoparticles, and Rhodamine B. To compare their photophysical behaviors, we performed steady-state absorption, photoluminescence, and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic measurements. It was found that gold nanoclusters behave somewhat like small molecules, showing both rapid internal conversion (<1 ps) and long-lived excited state lifetime (about 100 ns). Unlike the nanocluster form in which metal–metal transitions dominate, gold complexes showed significant charge transfer between metal atoms and surface ligands. Plasmonic gold nanoparticles, on the other hand, had electrons being heated and cooled (~100 ps time scale) after photo-excitation, and the relaxation was dominated by electron–electron scattering, electron–phonon coupling, and energy dissipation. In both nanoclusters and plasmonic nanoparticles, one can observe coherent oscillations of the metal core, but with different fundamental origins. Overall, this work provides some benchmarking features for organic dye molecules, organometallic complexes, metal nanoclusters, and plasmonic nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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7 pages, 1023 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Catenane Structures of Homoleptic Thioglycolic Acid-Protected Gold Nanoclusters Evidenced by Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry and DFT Calculations

by Clothilde Comby-Zerbino, Martina Perić, Franck Bertorelle, Fabien Chirot, Philippe Dugourd, Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký and Rodolphe Antoine

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(3), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030457 - 19 Mar 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4726

Abstract

Thiolate-protected metal nanoclusters have highly size- and structure-dependent physicochemical properties and are a promising class of nanomaterials. As a consequence, for the rationalization of their synthesis and for the design of new clusters with tailored properties, a precise characterization of their composition and [...] Read more.

Thiolate-protected metal nanoclusters have highly size- and structure-dependent physicochemical properties and are a promising class of nanomaterials. As a consequence, for the rationalization of their synthesis and for the design of new clusters with tailored properties, a precise characterization of their composition and structure at the atomic level is required. We report a combined ion mobility-mass spectrometry approach with density functional theory (DFT) calculations for determination of the structural and optical properties of ultra-small gold nanoclusters protected by thioglycolic acid (TGA) as ligand molecules, Au₁₀(TGA)₁₀. Collision cross-section (CCS) measurements are reported for two charge states. DFT optimized geometrical structures are used to compute CCSs. The comparison of the experimentally- and theoretically-determined CCSs allows concluding that such nanoclusters have catenane structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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7 pages, 1640 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Intramolecular Metal Exchange Reaction Promoted by Thiol Ligands

by Yangfeng Li, Man Chen, Shuxin Wang and Manzhou Zhu

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(12), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8121070 - 19 Dec 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4407

Abstract

The synthesis of an alloy nanocluster that is atomically precise is the key to understanding the metal synergy effect at the atomic level. Using the Ag₂Au₂₅(SR)₁₈ nanocluster as a model, we reported a third approach for the metal [...] Read more.

The synthesis of an alloy nanocluster that is atomically precise is the key to understanding the metal synergy effect at the atomic level. Using the Ag₂Au₂₅(SR)₁₈ nanocluster as a model, we reported a third approach for the metal exchange reaction, that is, intramolecular metal exchange. The surface adsorbed metal ions (i.e., Ag) can be exchanged with the kernel metal atoms (i.e., Au) that are promoted by thiol ligands. The exchanged gold atoms can be further stripped by the thiol ligands, and produce the Ag_xAu_25−x(SR)₁₈⁻ nanocluster. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

24 pages, 8236 KiB

Open AccessReview

Origin of the Photoluminescence of Metal Nanoclusters: From Metal-Centered Emission to Ligand-Centered Emission

by Tai-Qun Yang, Bo Peng, Bing-Qian Shan, Yu-Xin Zong, Jin-Gang Jiang, Peng Wu and Kun Zhang

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10020261 - 4 Feb 2020

Cited by 144 | Viewed by 10247

Abstract

Recently, metal nanoclusters (MNCs) emerged as a new class of luminescent materials and have attracted tremendous interest in the area of luminescence-related applications due to their excellent luminous properties (good photostability, large Stokes shift) and inherent good biocompatibility. However, the origin of photoluminescence [...] Read more.

Recently, metal nanoclusters (MNCs) emerged as a new class of luminescent materials and have attracted tremendous interest in the area of luminescence-related applications due to their excellent luminous properties (good photostability, large Stokes shift) and inherent good biocompatibility. However, the origin of photoluminescence (PL) of MNCs is still not fully understood, which has limited their practical application. In this mini-review, focusing on the origin of the photoemission emission of MNCs, we simply review the evolution of luminescent mechanism models of MNCs, from the pure metal-centered quantum confinement mechanics to ligand-centered p band intermediate state (PBIS) model via a transitional ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT or LMMCT) mechanism as a compromise model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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21 pages, 4547 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gold Nanoclusters as Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

by Tokuhisa Kawawaki and Yuichi Negishi

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10020238 - 29 Jan 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6875

Abstract

Gold nanoclusters (Au_n NCs) exhibit a size-specific electronic structure unlike bulk gold and can therefore be used as catalysts in various reactions. Ligand-protected Au_n NCs can be synthesized with atomic precision, and the geometric structures of many Au_n NCs have [...] Read more.

Gold nanoclusters (Au_n NCs) exhibit a size-specific electronic structure unlike bulk gold and can therefore be used as catalysts in various reactions. Ligand-protected Au_n NCs can be synthesized with atomic precision, and the geometric structures of many Au_n NCs have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, Au_n NCs can be doped with various types of elements. Clarification of the effects of changes to the chemical composition, geometric structure, and associated electronic state on catalytic activity would enable a deep understanding of the active sites and mechanisms in catalytic reactions as well as key factors for high activation. Furthermore, it may be possible to synthesize Au_n NCs with properties that surpass those of conventional catalysts using the obtained design guidelines. With these expectations, catalyst research using Au_n NCs as a model catalyst has been actively conducted in recent years. This review focuses on the application of Au_n NCs as an electrocatalyst and outlines recent research progress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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18 pages, 2614 KiB

Open AccessReview

Reduction of Tetrachloroaurate(III) Ions With Bioligands: Role of the Thiol and Amine Functional Groups on the Structure and Optical Features of Gold Nanohybrid Systems

by Ditta Ungor, Imre Dékány and Edit Csapó

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(9), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9091229 - 29 Aug 2019

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 4404

Abstract

In this review, the presentation of the synthetic routes of plasmonic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), as well as self-assembled Au-containing thiolated coordination polymers (Au CPs) was highlighted. We exclusively emphasize the gold products that are synthesized by the [...] Read more.

In this review, the presentation of the synthetic routes of plasmonic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), as well as self-assembled Au-containing thiolated coordination polymers (Au CPs) was highlighted. We exclusively emphasize the gold products that are synthesized by the spontaneous interaction of tetrachloroaurate(III) ions (AuCl₄¯) with bioligands using amine and thiolate derivatives, including mainly amino acids. The dominant role of the nature of the applied reducing molecules as well as the experimental conditions (concentration of the precursor metal ion, molar ratio of the AuCl₄¯ ions and biomolecules; pH, temperature, etc.) of the syntheses on the size and structure-dependent optical properties of these gold nanohybrid materials have been summarized. While using the same reducing and stabilizing biomolecules, the main differences on the preparation conditions of Au NPs, Au NCs, and Au CPs have been interpreted and the reducing capabilities of various amino acids and thiolates have been compared. Moreover, various fabrication routes of thiol-stabilized plasmonic Au NPs, as well as fluorescent Au NCs and self-assembled Au CPs have been presented via the formation of –(Au(I)-SR)_n– periodic structures as intermediates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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17 pages, 9082 KiB

Open AccessReview

Heterogeneous Cross-Coupling over Gold Nanoclusters

by Quanquan Shi, Zhaoxian Qin, Hui Xu and Gao Li

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(6), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9060838 - 1 Jun 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4658

Abstract

Au clusters with the precise numbers of gold atoms, a novel nanogold material, have recently attracted increasing interest in the nanoscience because of very unique and unexpected properties. The unique interaction and electron transfer between gold clusters and reactants make the clusters promising [...] Read more.

Au clusters with the precise numbers of gold atoms, a novel nanogold material, have recently attracted increasing interest in the nanoscience because of very unique and unexpected properties. The unique interaction and electron transfer between gold clusters and reactants make the clusters promising catalysts during organic transformations. The Au_nL_m nanoclusters (where L represents organic ligands and n and m mean the number of gold atoms and ligands, respectively) have been well investigated and developed for selective oxidation, hydrogenation, photo-catalysis, and so on. These gold clusters possess unique frameworks, providing insights into the catalytic processes and an excellent arena to correlate the atomic frameworks with their intrinsic catalytic properties and to further investigate the tentative reaction mechanisms. This review comprehensively summarizes the very latest advances in the catalytic applications of the Au nanoclusters for the C−C cross-coupling reactions, e.g., Ullmann, Sonogashira, Suzuki cross-couplings, and A³−coupling reactions. It is found that the proposed catalytically active sites are associated with the exposure of gold atoms on the surface of the metal core when partial capping organic ligands are selectively detached under the reaction conditions. Finally, the tentative catalytic mechanisms over the ligand-capped Au nanoclusters and the relationship of structure and catalytic performances at the atomic level using computational methods are explored in detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supramolecular Gold Chemistry: From Atomically Precise Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoclusters to Gold-Thiolate Nanostructures)

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