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Atomically precise nanoclusters with reversible isomeric transformation for rotary nanomotors
Zhaoxian Qin1,2,3, Jiangwei Zhang1, Chongqing Wan4
1State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 116023, Dalian, China.
Nature Communications
|November 27, 2020
Summary
Atomically precise nanoclusters exhibit reversible isomeric transformations. This discovery enables the development of temperature-responsive rotary nanomotors and intelligent devices.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Thermal-stimuli responsive nanomaterials are crucial for advanced intelligent devices.
- Atomically precise nanoclusters offer unique properties for nanoscale engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a reversible isomeric transformation in biicosahedral gold-silver nanoclusters.
- To demonstrate the potential of these nanoclusters as components for rotary nanomotors driven by temperature changes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of biicosahedral [Au13Ag12(PPh3)10Cl8]SbF6 nanoclusters.
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to analyze the reversible isomeric transformation and its thermodynamic driving force (Gibbs free energy).
Main Results:
- Biicosahedral nanoclusters exhibit two distinct, temperature-responsive conformational isomers with complete reversibility.
- The isomeric transformation is driven by changes in Gibbs free energy, confirmed by DSC analysis.
- The nanoclusters function as a basis for a rotary nanomotor activated by temperature.
Conclusions:
- A strategy for designing stimuli-responsive atomically precise nanomaterials through ligand tailoring and alloy engineering is presented.
- The reversible, temperature-driven isomeric transformation of these nanoclusters opens avenues for applications in thermal sensors and intelligent catalysts.
- Ultra-small (1 nm) nanoclusters can be utilized for sophisticated nanoscale device applications.
