Engineering molecular rotor-stator ligand architectures on copper nanoclusters for efficient photothermal conversion

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Copper nanoclusters are promising but underexplored materials.
• Photothermal conversion efficiency is a key property for many applications.
• Ligand design is crucial for controlling nanocluster properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general strategy for enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency of copper nanoclusters.
• To investigate the role of rotor-stator ligand architectures in photothermal conversion.
• To design and synthesize a novel copper nanocluster with enhanced photothermal properties.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of copper nanoclusters with rotor-stator ligands.
• Characterization of nanocluster structure and properties.
• Measurement of photothermal conversion efficiency under laser irradiation.

Main Results:

• A novel copper nanocluster, [Cu36(4-F-PhS)24(AdmCOO)6(PPh3)4H8]2-, was successfully synthesized.
• The nanocluster exhibited a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 75%.
• Adamantane rotors facilitated rapid molecular rotation, promoting non-radiative transitions and efficient heat generation.

Conclusions:

• Rotor-stator ligand architecture is an effective strategy for enhancing copper nanocluster photothermal conversion.
• The engineered nanoclusters can achieve high temperatures rapidly upon laser irradiation.
• This approach offers a pathway to develop multifunctional copper nanoclusters with improved performance.