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Self-Regulated Pathway-Dependent Chirality Control of Silver Nanoclusters.
Takuya Nakashima1,2, Riku Tanibe1, Hiroto Yoshida1
1Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|June 28, 2022
Summary
Researchers achieved pathway-dependent chirality control in silver nanoclusters (NCs) using enantiomeric ligands. Guest molecule binding induced chirality inversion, enabling self-regulation and self-replication of chirality in nanomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Chirality Studies
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Chirality in molecular systems, including nanomaterials, offers enhanced properties and responsiveness.
- Controlling chirality in nanoclusters is crucial for developing advanced functional materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pathway-dependent chirality control in silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs).
- To explore the mechanism of chirality inversion induced by guest molecule binding.
- To demonstrate self-regulation and self-replication of chirality in Ag NCs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) using enantiomeric α-dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) ligands.
- Characterization of chiral Ag29(DHLA)12 nanoclusters.
- Investigation of guest molecule (e.g., pyridine) binding to the silver shell and its effect on NC stability and chirality.
Main Results:
- Preferential formation of one-handed chiral Ag29(DHLA)12 NCs with intrinsic chirality in the silver-dithiolate framework.
- Guest molecule binding to silver atoms in the NC shell induced kinetic chirality inversion.
- Demonstrated self-regulation and self-replication of chirality through inter-NC interactions dependent on concentration.
Conclusions:
- Achieved unprecedented pathway-dependent chirality control and inversion in silver nanoclusters.
- The findings open new avenues for designing self-regulating and self-replicating chiral nanomaterials.
- This work advances the understanding of chirality transfer and control at the nanoscale.
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