Thiacalix[4]arene-Protected Silver Nanoclusters Encapsulating Different Two-Electron Superatom Oligomers

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• The formation mechanism of subvalent silver kernels in silver nanoclusters is not well understood.
• Silver nanoclusters are crucial in various applications, including catalysis and photothermal therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize two novel silver nanoclusters, Ag30 and Ag34.
• To elucidate the growth mechanisms and structural characteristics of their silver kernels.
• To investigate the role of ligands in stabilizing the nanoclusters and their potential applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ag30 and Ag34 silver nanoclusters using a solvent strategy.
• Characterization using techniques like X-ray crystallography and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Analysis of the coordination environment provided by TC4A4- and TBPMT- ligands.

Main Results:

• Two silver nanoclusters, Ag30 (6e kernel) and Ag34 (4e kernel), were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Ag30 features a trimer of Ag14 kernels, while Ag34 contains a dimer of Ag10 kernels, showcasing unique polyhedron fusion growth patterns.
• Both nanoclusters exhibit excellent stability in solution due to the coordination of TC4A4- and TBPMT- ligands.

Conclusions:

• This work clarifies the initial growth patterns of silver clusters, specifically the formation of Ag30 and Ag34.
• The solvent strategy precisely controls silver kernel growth, offering insights into nanocluster formation.
• The findings lay the groundwork for utilizing these silver nanoclusters in photothermal conversion applications.