Functionalizing metal nanoclusters in water: Synthesis, interfacing, and emerging applications.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (MNCs) possess unique properties determined by their metallic core and surrounding ligand shell.
• Ligand chemistry is crucial for controlling solubility, stability, and reactivity, especially for water-soluble MNCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review synthesis strategies and interfacial engineering principles for water-soluble MNCs.
• To establish design rules linking interfacial structure to MNC function.
• To highlight applications in bioimaging, sensing, and catalysis.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of direct aqueous synthesis and postsynthetic modification routes.
• Analysis of interfacial structure-property relationships.
• Consolidation of synthesis, interfacial physics, and application data.

Main Results:

• Interfacial structure governs MNC stability, mobility, selectivity, and photophysical properties.
• Ligand shells can create nanoreactors for controlled chemical reactions.
• Water-soluble MNCs show promise in bioimaging, sensing, and electrocatalysis.

Conclusions:

• Rational engineering of aqueous MNCs requires understanding the interplay between synthesis, interfacial properties, and function.
• Established design principles provide guidelines for developing MNCs for biomedical and catalytic applications.