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Evolution from the plasmon to exciton state in ligand-protected atomically precise gold nanoparticles
Meng Zhou1, Chenjie Zeng1, Yuxiang Chen1
1Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Nature Communications
|October 25, 2016
Summary
Researchers mapped the transition from metallic to molecular states in gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). This reveals distinct electronic states and impacts catalytic properties, advancing nanoscience understanding.
Area of Science:
- Nanoscience
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- The transition from metallic to molecular states in metal nanoparticles is crucial for understanding metallic bonding and surface plasmon resonance.
- Previous studies were limited by the lack of atomically precise nanoparticles in the 1-3 nm range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electronic state transitions in gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) across various sizes.
- To correlate these electronic transitions with catalytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Ultrafast spectroscopic studies were performed on atomically precise thiolate-protected gold nanoparticles (Au25, Au38, Au144, Au333, Au~520, Au~940).
Main Results:
- Three distinct electronic states were identified: metallic (>2.3 nm, >Au333), transition (1.7-2.3 nm, Au144-Au333), and non-metallic/excitonic (<1.7 nm,
- The observed electronic transitions influence the catalytic performance of gold nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- Atomically precise gold nanoparticles exhibit distinct electronic states based on size, bridging the gap between metallic and molecular behavior.
- These size-dependent electronic properties have significant implications for the catalytic applications of gold nanoparticles, including CO oxidation and alcohol electrocatalysis.
