Shape control with atomic precision: anisotropic nanoclusters of noble metals

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Metal nanoclusters represent a new class of nanomaterials with atomic precision, distinct from conventional nanoparticles.
• They exhibit molecular uniformity, quantized electronic structures, and can form single crystals.
• Understanding their properties requires atomic-level structural correlations, addressing mysteries like plasmon emergence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review anisotropic nanoclusters of atomic precision, focusing on gold, silver, and bimetallic compositions.
• To explore methods for achieving anisotropic nanoclusters, particularly through kinetic control.
• To discuss how anisotropy influences properties compared to isotropic counterparts and potential applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on anisotropic metal nanoclusters.
• Focus on kinetic control strategies for nanocluster synthesis.
• Categorization of anisotropic nanoclusters into dimeric, rod-shaped, and oblate types.

Main Results:

• Anisotropic nanoclusters, though less common than spherical ones, offer high stability.
• Rod-shaped nanoclusters provide insights into early-stage plasmonic nanoparticle nucleation and property evolution.
• New properties arise from anisotropy, distinct from isotropic nanoclusters.

Conclusions:

• Anisotropic nanoclusters are crucial for understanding nanoparticle growth mechanisms and optical property evolution.
• Their unique properties open avenues for catalysis, self-assembly, and tailored physicochemical characteristics.
• Future research on anisotropic nanoclusters promises significant advancements in nanomaterial applications.