Hierarchical Assembly of Atomically Precise Metal Clusters as a Luminescent Strain Sensor

We demonstrate the formation of a versatile luminescent organo-inorganic layered hybrid material, composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-protected Au₃₀ clusters and aminoclay sheets. X-ray diffraction revealed the intercalation of Au₃₀@BSA in the layered superstructure of aminoclay sheets. Coulombic attraction of the clusters and the clay initiates the interaction, and the appropriate size of the clusters allowed them to intercalate within the lamellar aminoclay galleries. Electron microscopy measurements confirmed the hierarchical structure of the material and also showed the cluster-attached clay sheets. Zeta potential measurement and dynamic light scattering probed the gradual formation of the ordered aggregates in solution. The hybrid material could be stretched up to 300% without fracture. The emergence of a new peak in the luminescence spectrum was observed during the course of mechanical stretching. This peak increased in intensity gradually with the degree of elongation or strain of the material. A mechanochromic luminescence response was further demonstrated with a writing experiment on a luminescent mat of the material, made by electrospinning.