Surface Chemistry of Atomically Precise Coinage–Metal Nanoclusters: From Structural Control to Surface Reactivity and Catalysis

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00371
• Publication Date: 2018-11-15T21:00:42Z
• Authors: Juanzhu Yan; Boon K. Teo; Nanfeng Zheng
• Keywords: Nanoclusters; Reactivity

A comprehensive understanding of chemical bonding and reactions at the surface nanomaterials is great importance in rational design their functional properties applications. With rapid development cluster science, it has become clear that atomically precise metal clusters represent ideal models for resolving various important and/or unsolved issues related to science. This Account highlights our recent efforts on fabrication ligand-stabilized coinage nanoclusters with atomic precision from viewpoint coordination chemistry particular. The successful synthesis a large variety group greatly benefitted an effective amine-assisted NaBH4 reduction method. First discussed this how introduction amines synthetic protocol enhances long-term stability high-yield production Ag/Cu-based metals air. Such method allows utilization different organic ligands as stabilizing agents manipulate both core structures nanoclusters, helping understand role determining nanoclusters. used crucial overall shape, arrangement, ligand binding structure, chirality also exposure. Detailed discussions are given following four systems: (1) co-use phosphines thiolates rich (2 4-coordinated) helps control formation sequence Ag near-perfectly cubic shape; (2) arrangements AuCu highly depend precursors counter cations synthesis; (3) Metal intrinsic readily prepared by introducing chiral or counterions, making possible obtain optically active enantiomers origin nanoclusters; (4) variation exposure inner nanocluster can be controlled structure. capabilities structure allow creation model systems investigating structure-reactivity relationship nanomaterials. Several examples then highlight tuning reactivity catalysis For example, bulky demonstrated more labile than small enhanced exchange capability catalysis. Alkynyl thermally released easily halides while maintaining thereby serving promoting effect stabilizers Finally, we provide perspective principles potential applications regards protected clusters.