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From chain to framework: atomically precise silver cluster-assembled architectures
Xiaolin Liu1,2, Taeyoung Ki1,2, Seungwoo Yoo1,2
1Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea. gcdeng@snu.ac.kr.
Nanoscale
|February 2, 2026
Summary
Researchers created dimensionally tunable silver nanocluster frameworks (SCAMs) using Ag12 clusters and ligands. These materials maintain cluster integrity and show tunable catalytic activity for nitroaromatic hydrogenation, with 1D structures being most active.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Catalysis
Background:
- Controlled assembly of metal nanoclusters (NCs) into extended frameworks is key for functional materials.
- Achieving dimensional control (1D-3D) while preserving NC core integrity is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct silver cluster-assembled materials (SCAMs) with controlled dimensionality.
- To investigate the impact of structural dimensionality on catalytic performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Ag12 clusters and directional N-donor ligands of varying lengths.
- Employed single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural confirmation.
- Evaluated catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of nitroaromatics.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized 1D, 2D, and 3D SCAMs with preserved Ag12 cores.
- Demonstrated efficient catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics across all dimensions.
- Observed highest catalytic activity in the 1D SCAM.
Conclusions:
- Developed a rational, ligand-directed strategy for dimensionally tunable, atomically precise cluster-based frameworks.
- Established a direct correlation between structural dimensionality and catalytic performance.
- Provided a blueprint for designing nanomaterials for catalysis and optoelectronics.
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