Nanocluster superstructures or nanoparticles? The self-consuming scaffold decides.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Silver thiolate complexes are known for their diverse structures and potential applications.
• Controlling the formation of reaction intermediates is crucial for synthesizing specific nanomaterials.
• Understanding the self-assembly mechanisms of nanomaterials is key to tailoring their properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To selectively synthesize silver dodecanethiolate nanoparticles and nanoclusters.
• To investigate the structural properties, particularly the lamellar superstructure, of the synthesized nanoclusters.
• To characterize the optical properties, including luminescence, of the silver nanoclusters.

Main Methods:

• Controlled synthesis by manipulating reaction intermediates.
• Characterization using elemental analyses, XRD, ATR-FTIR, XPS, XAS, MALDI, ESI, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Analysis of size, structure, and optical emission properties.

Main Results:

• Selective synthesis of silver dodecanethiolate nanoparticles (4-2 nm) and nanoclusters.
• Observation of a lamellar superstructure in the nanoclusters templated from a polymeric precursor.
• Identification of luminescent silver nanoclusters (Ag15 and Ag35) with emission bands in the 330-450 nm range and NIR emission at ~700 nm.
• Correlation of synthesis time with the formation of specific nanocluster compositions.

Conclusions:

• The formation of silver dodecanethiolate nanoparticles or nanoclusters can be selectively controlled.
• The synthesized nanoclusters possess a unique lamellar superstructure and exhibit tunable luminescence.
• These silver nanoclusters, as molecular/nanoparticle hybrids, hold significant potential for advanced nanotechnology applications.