High-Yield Synthesis of Cu₂₉ Nanoclusters and Their Applications in Photothermal Conversion and Catalysis

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Catalysis
• Photothermal Therapy

Background:

• Atomically precise copper nanoclusters (NCs) are of significant interest.
• Synthesizing zerovalent copper NCs is challenging due to the low reduction potential of copper.
• Copper NCs offer unique catalytic and photothermal properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-yield bulk synthesis for a specific copper nanocluster.
• To characterize the crystal structure of the synthesized copper nanocluster.
• To investigate the photothermal and catalytic applications of the copper nanocluster.

Main Methods:

• High-yield bulk synthesis of Cu₂₉ NCs coprotected by cyclohexanethiolate (CHT) and triphenylphosphine (TPP).
• Crystal structure characterization of the Cu₂₉-CHT-TPP nanocluster.
• Evaluation of photothermal activity using laser irradiation and measurement of temperature increase.
• Assessment of catalytic performance in azide-alkyne click chemistry reactions under blue LED irradiation.

Main Results:

• Successful high-yield synthesis of Cu₂₉ NCs (Cu(I) valence state).
• Demonstrated strong photothermal activity with a 22.4 °C increase in 450 s and 33% photothermal efficiency.
• Achieved >90% yields in click chemistry reactions with fast reaction times and good recyclability as a homogeneous catalyst.

Conclusions:

• The developed procedure enables efficient bulk synthesis of Cu₂₉ NCs.
• Cu₂₉-CHT-TPP NCs exhibit competitive photothermal conversion efficiency.
• These copper nanoclusters are effective and recyclable catalysts for click chemistry, showing potential for broader applications.