Nanocluster growth "graft-onto": effects on geometric structures and optical properties

• Published in: Chemical science (Cambridge) 2020-02, Vol.11 (6), p.1691-1697
• Main Authors: Kang, Xi, Jin, Shan, Xiong, Lin, Wei, Xiao, Zhou, Manman, Qin, Chenwanli, Pei, Yong, Wang, Shuxin, Zhu, Manzhou
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 2041-6520; 2041-6539
• DOI: 10.1039/c9sc05700e

Atomically precise engineering on the nanocluster surface remains highly desirable for the fundamental understanding of how surface structures of a nanocluster contribute to its overall properties. In this paper, the concept of "graft-onto" has been exploited to facilitate nanocluster growth on surface structures. Specifically, the Ag 2 (DPPM)Cl 2 complex is used for re-constructing the surface structure of Pt 1 Ag 28 (SR) 18 (PPh 3 ) 4 ( Pt 1 Ag 28 , SR = 1-adamantanethiolate) and producing a size-growth nanocluster - Pt 1 Ag 31 (SR) 16 (DPPM) 3 Cl 3 ( Pt 1 Ag 31 ). The grafting effect of Ag 2 (DPPM)Cl 2 induces both direct changes on the surface structure ( e.g. , size growth, structural transformation, and surface rotation) and indirect changes on the kernel structure (from a fcc configuration to an icosahedral configuration). Remarkable differences have been observed by comparing optical properties between Pt 1 Ag 28 and Pt 1 Ag 31 . Significantly, Pt 1 Ag 31 exhibits high photo-luminescent intensity with a quantum yield of 29.3%, which is six times that of the Pt 1 Ag 28 . Overall, this work presents a new approach ( i.e. , graft-onto) for the precise dictation of nanocluster surface structures at the atomic level. The concept of "graft-onto" has been exploited to facilitate nanocluster growth from Pt 1 Ag 28 to Pt 1 Ag 31 .