Atomically Precise Colloidal Metal Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles: Fundamentals and Opportunities

Area of Science:

• Nanoscience
• Materials Chemistry
• Nanoparticle Synthesis

Background:

• Colloidal nanoparticles lack uniform structures, hindering fundamental property understanding.
• Controlling nanoparticle structure with atomic precision is a long-standing goal in nanochemistry.
• Ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (nanoclusters, 1-3 nm) are emerging as systems with defined structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review progress in atomically precise nanoparticle synthesis.
• To highlight new atomic structures and unique properties of these nanoparticles.
• To explore opportunities for fundamental science and applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of synthesis principles for atomically precise nanoparticles.
• Analysis of structural characteristics and properties of nanoclusters.
• Compilation of research on gold, silver, and bimetal nanoclusters.

Main Results:

• Atomically precise synthesis of gold nanoclusters is now achievable.
• New atomic structures and unique physical/chemical properties have been identified.
• Progress extends to various ligand-protected gold, silver, and bimetal nanoclusters.

Conclusions:

• Atomically precise nanoparticles offer unprecedented opportunities for fundamental nanoscience.
• These nanoparticles open new avenues for applications in catalysis, biomedicine, sensing, optics, and energy.
• Understanding nanoparticle stability, bonding, and assembly is enhanced by these precise structures.