Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Synthesis of Near-Infrared Emitting Gold Nanoclusters for Biological Applications
Published on: March 22, 2020
Giant Emission Enhancement of Solid-State Gold Nanoclusters by Surface Engineering
Chuanhao Yao1,2,3, Cong-Qiao Xu4, In-Hyeok Park3
1SZU-NUS Collaborative Center and International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronic Science & Technology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Technology Research Center for 2D Materials Information Functional Devices and Systems of Guangdong Province, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
Researchers synthesized a new bimetallic gold-cadmium nanocluster ([Au19Cd3(SR2)18]-) by modifying a gold cluster ([Au25(SR1)18]-). This bimetallic cluster exhibits enhanced photoluminescence properties due to stronger electronic interactions.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Chemistry
- Surface Science
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Gold nanoclusters offer tunable optoelectronic properties.
- Surface modification is key to enhancing nanocluster functionality.
- Heteroatomic doping presents opportunities for novel cluster design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel bimetallic gold-cadmium nanocluster.
- To investigate the impact of heteroatomic doping on cluster structure and properties.
- To enhance the photoluminescence of metal nanoclusters.
Main Methods:
- Ligand-induced surface restructuring of [Au25(SR1)18]-.
- Synthesis of [Au19Cd3(SR2)18]- using Au2Cd motifs.
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
- Experimental and theoretical electronic structure calculations.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of the bimetallic [Au19Cd3(SR2)18]- cluster.
- Replacement of Au2(SR1)3 motifs with Au2Cd(SR2)6 motifs.
- Demonstrated stronger electronic interaction between surface and core in the bimetallic cluster.
- Observed enhanced photoluminescence quantum efficiency and lifetime.
Conclusions:
- Heteroatomic doping via surface restructuring is an effective strategy for designing advanced bimetallic nanoclusters.
- The bimetallic [Au19Cd3(SR2)18]- cluster shows superior optoelectronic properties compared to its monometallic precursor.
- This work opens new avenues for creating functional alloy metal nanoclusters.
