Nanocluster-Stabilized Sulfur-Based Superradical with High Photothermal Performance and NIR-II Emission

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Chemistry
• Radical Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Stabilization and multifunctionalization of radicals are significant challenges in chemistry.
• Gold nanoclusters offer unique properties but require controlled synthesis for specific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel methodology for stabilizing and functionalizing radicals using gold nanoclusters.
• To synthesize and characterize a new gold nanocluster, Au64(CPT)31S·, from a precursor cluster.
• To explore the potential applications of the synthesized superradical in polymerization and photothermal conversion.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Au64(CPT)31S· from Au64(CPT)32 precursor.
• Stability testing of the nanocluster under thermal and atmospheric conditions.
• Evaluation of polymerization initiation capability in 3D printing.
• Characterization of NIR-II emission and photothermal conversion efficiencies.

Main Results:

• The synthesized Au64(CPT)31S· nanocluster demonstrated ultrastability, maintaining integrity above 100°C for 2 hours.
• The superradical successfully initiated the polymerization of pentaerythritol triacrylate for 3D printing applications.
• Au64(CPT)31S· exhibited significant NIR-II emission and high photothermal conversion efficiencies (82.9% at 532 nm, 65.1% at 980 nm).

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology provides a foundation for novel superradical studies and applications.
• The findings highlight the potential of Au64(CPT)31S· in radical stabilization, multifunctionalization, and structure-property correlation studies.
• This work opens new avenues for advanced materials in 3D printing and photothermal therapies.