Metal Nanoclusters Stabilized by Selenol Ligands

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Inorganic Chemistry

Background:

• Significant progress in metal nanocluster synthesis, structure determination, and property investigation.
• Emergence of selenolated nanoclusters as a distinct and intriguing subclass.
• Unique electronic and geometric structures anticipated due to selenium's distinct properties compared to sulfur.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of selenolated nanoclusters.
• To cover synthesis, structure, and property investigations.
• To highlight the influence of ligand effects on nanocluster characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of publications up to May 2019.
• Analysis of synthesis strategies for selenolated nanoclusters (Au, Ag, Cu, alloys).
• Examination of structural and property data, including optical absorption, stability, and electrochemistry.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of synthesized selenolated nanoclusters, including gold, silver, copper, and alloys.
• Elucidation of ligand effects, comparing selenol (SeR) and thiol (SR) ligands.
• Identification of distinct optical absorption, stability, and electrochemical properties influenced by selenium.

Conclusions:

• Selenolated nanoclusters exhibit unique properties distinct from their thiolated counterparts.
• Ligand choice significantly impacts nanocluster properties, offering avenues for tuning.
• Future research should focus on synthesizing novel selenolated nanoclusters with tailored structures and enhanced properties.