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Ligand-Induced Modulation of Photoluminescence in Atomically Precise Silver Nanoclusters.
Elizabeth Saji1, Meghna Ghosh1, Nida Nahan Eyyakkandy1
1School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India.
Inorganic Chemistry
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Ligand engineering precisely controls the optical properties of silver (Ag3) nanoclusters. Different alkyne ligands tune photoluminescence, shifting emission from ligand-centered to metal-centered based on electronic and steric factors.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Photochemistry
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- Ligand engineering is key to tuning optical properties of atomically precise nanoclusters.
- Understanding structure-property relationships in nanoclusters is crucial but challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate structural features with photoluminescence in alkyne-functionalized silver (Ag3) nanoclusters.
- To differentiate emission origins based on ligand type (aromatic vs. aliphatic).
Main Methods:
- Synthesized and characterized two types of alkyne-functionalized Ag3 nanoclusters.
- Analyzed crystal structures to understand ligand-induced distortions.
- Measured and compared photoluminescence spectra to determine emission characteristics.
Main Results:
- Aromatic alkyne ligands resulted in ligand-centered emission.
- Aliphatic alkyne ligands led to metal-centered emission.
- Structural distortions correlated with observed photoluminescence properties.
Conclusions:
- Systematic ligand modification enables control over photoluminescence in Ag3 nanoclusters.
- The electronic and steric nature of alkyne ligands dictates the emission pathway.
- This work provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing nanocluster photophysics.
