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Millifluidics for Chemical Synthesis and Time-resolved Mechanistic Studies
Published on: November 27, 2013
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Non-Equilibrium Assembly of Atomically-Precise Copper Nanoclusters
Peng Zhao1, Linjie Xu1, Bohan Li1
1School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|January 31, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed novel copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) for dissipative assemblies (DSAs). These CuNCs exhibit precise structure control and dynamic behavior, enabling the creation of life-like materials with tunable properties.
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Precise structure control in dissipative assemblies (DSAs) is crucial for biological functions but challenging in artificial systems.
- Existing artificial DSAs lack the accuracy and functionality required for complex applications.
- Coordination chemistry offers a promising avenue for designing dynamic and responsive materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel approach for creating atomically-precise copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) using complex chemical reaction networks.
- To investigate the dynamic reorganization and dissipative behavior of these CuNCs.
- To explore the potential of CuNCs as building blocks for life-like materials with tunable properties.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of atomically-precise copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) based on coordination chemistry.
- Investigation of CuNC reorganization via changes in Cu(I)-ligand ratio and metallophilic/coordination interactions.
- Study of dissipative cycles induced by ascorbic acid (AA) and environmental factors (ions, O2, pH).
- Characterization of optical properties and topological changes in polymeric networks incorporating CuNCs.
Main Results:
- Atomically-precise CuNCs, specifically Cu11(µ9-Cl)(µ3-Cl)3L6Cl, were synthesized.
- Dynamic reorganization of CuNCs into metastable and equilibrium states was observed.
- Dissipative cycles were initiated and controlled by factors including ascorbic acid concentration and pH.
- Halide ions were found to influence optical properties and network topology.
- CuNCs demonstrated potential as modular units in polymers for materials mechanics and functionalization.
Conclusions:
- Complex chemical reaction networks rooted in coordination chemistry enable the creation of precisely structured and dynamic CuNCs.
- Cu(I)-Cu(I) metallophilic and coordination interactions are key to designing life-like materials with controllable dissipative behavior.
- These findings pave the way for developing advanced DSAs with precise structures and functionalities for various applications.
