Cu(0) nanoclusters derived from poly(propylene imine) dendrimer complexes of Cu(II).

A family of diaminobutane core, poly(propylene imine) dendrimers coordinated to Cu(II), DAB-Am(n)-Cu(II)x (n = 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, x = n/2), was studied by means of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopies. The geometry of the dipropylene triamine (dpt)-Cu(II) end-group complexes for all dendrimer generations is reported for the first time and is found to be that of a square-based pyramid with each Cu ion bound to three nitrogen atoms (Cu-N distance approximately 2.03 A) of the dpt end group of the dendrimer. An oxygen atom residing 1.96 A from the Cu ion also occupies the equatorial plane, and the pyramid is completed by an axial oxygen at approximately 2.65 A. In addition, we report for the first time that reduction of the Cu(II)-dendrimer complexes with NaBH4 yields DAB-Am(n)-Cu(0)(cluster) species. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the reduced species demonstrate that there is a systematic decrease in the size of the generated Cu clusters with increasing dendrimer generation. Additionally, it was found that the size of the nanoclusters is a function of the n/x ratio of the DAB-Am(n)-Cu(II)x precursor, with highly monodisperse, extremely small nanoclusters (r(cluster) = 8.0 +/- 1.6 A) obtained with n = 64 and x = 16. EXAFS and XANES measurements on the reduced DAB-Am(n)-Cu(0)(cluster) corroborate the TEM data, and provide additional information on the possible encapsulation of the Cu nanoclusters by the dendrimers.     

Structures of bimetallic clusters

We report an optimization algorithm for studying bimetallic nanoclusters. The algorithm combines two state-of-the-art methods, the genetic algorithm and the basin hopping approach, widely employed in the literature for predicting structures of pure metallic and nonmetallic clusters. To critically test the present algorithm and its use in determining the lowest-energy structures of bimetallic nanoclusters, we apply it to study the bimetallic clusters Cu(n)Au(38-n) (0< or =n< or =38). It is predicted that the Au atoms, being larger in size than the Cu atoms, prefer to occupy surface sites showing thus the segregating behavior. As the atom fraction of Cu increases, the bimetallic cluster Cu(n)Au(38-n), as a whole, first takes on an amorphous structure and is followed by dramatic changes in structure with the Cu atoms revealing hexagonal, then assuming pentagonal, and finally shifting to octahedral symmetry in the Cu-rich range.     

Electrodeposition of flattened Cu nanoclusters on a p-GaAs(001) electrode monitored by in situ optical second harmonic generation

In situ optical second harmonic generation (SHG) technique was employed to investigate the shape and density of Cu nanoclusters, which were electrochemically formed on p-GaAs(001) electrode surfaces. Since GaAs is not a centrosymmetric medium, a significant portion of SHG signal arises from the bulk dipole susceptibility, but it was possible to separate a surface-induced signal from a bulk-induced signal by choosing an appropriate experimental geometry and appropriate data processing. The rotational anisotropy (RA) pattern of the SHG signal from a p-GaAs(001) electrode changed in both shape and magnitude during potential cycling in an electrolyte solution containing Cu2+. The surface plasmon-induced SHG signal from Cu nanoclusters deposited on GaAs was attributed to the modulation source for the RA-SHG pattern. More detailed study was carried out with both in situ SHG and ex situ AFM measurements for Cu nanoclusters deposited by potential step. The results showed that the SHG signal at the present optical geometry was sensitive to the number of oblate or flattened Cu nanoclusters with lateral diameter larger than 30 nm and that the SHG enhancement occurred because of resonant coupling between the surface plasmon induced in the flattened Cu nanoclusters and the near-infrared fundamental light.     

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Metal Nanoclusters-Silica Composite Films

In a program on the development of metal nanoclusters in sol-gel derived thin films, attempts were made to synthesize pure and mixed metal clusters, control the cluster size and increase the volume fract f the clusters. Thus, Ag, Cu and Ag-Cu nanoclusters were prepared in silica films using dip- and spin-coating techniques. The annealing of Ag/SiO₂ films in different atmospheres (air, argon and 5% H₂-95% N₂ gas) caused modifications of Ag nanoclusters resulting in changes in their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak positions. The Cu and Ag-Cu codoped films were annealed in reducing atmosphere (5% H₂-95% N₂ gas). In order to prepare Cu nanoclusters of different sizes, the concentrations of Cu in Cu/SiO₂ composite films were varied from 8 to 30 mol% and annealed at 800°C for different times for growth. The size of the Cu nanoclusters was measured from the half band width of Cu SPR peak (appearing within 570–557 nm range) and X-ray diffraction. In this way Cu-nanoclusters of size ranges from about 3.5 to 10 nm (average diameters) were prepared . The Ag-Cu nanocluster-containing silica films show the existence of both Ag and Cu SPR peaks with some blue shifting in comparison with to their pure analogues depending on the Ag:Cu ratio.     

Formation of uniform CuO nanorods by spontaneous aggregation: Selective synthesis of CuO, Cu2O, and Cu nanoparticles by a solid-liquid phase arc discharge process

Uniform and monodisperse CuO nanorods have been synthesized by directional aggregation and crystallization of tiny CuO nanoparticles generated from a solid-liquid arc discharge process under ambient conditions in the absence of any surfactants. Uniform CuO nanorods with sharp ends are formed from tiny nanoparticles via a process that involves the rapid oxidation of Cu nanoclusters, the spontaneous aggregation of CuO nanoparticles, and the Ostawald ripening process. The spontaneous aggregation and oriented attachment of tiny CuO nanoparticles contributed obviously to the formation of these kinds of nanostructures. By choice of suitable reducing agent to prevent the oxidation of Cu nanoclusters, Cu and Cu2O nanoparticles can be selectively synthesized.     

Self-assembly of 1,4-phenylene diisocyanide and terephthalic acid on Ni, Cu and Pt

This paper compares the adsorption behavior of 1,4-phenylene diisocyanide (PDI) and terephthalic acid (TA) on Ni, Cu and Pt surfaces. Following competitive adsorption from two-component equimolar solutions of PDI and TA, chemical analysis by XPS confirmed the preferential adsorption of PDI over TA on Ni and Cu. The ability to form "chemically sticky" surfaces on Ni, Cu and Pt surfaces by self-assembly into organized organic thin films (OOTFs) was also investigated. PM-IRRAS analysis revealed a tendency for PDI to bond in a terminal fashion through one isocyanide group, on both Ni and Cu. In contrast, PDI adsorbed in a flat configuration on Pt. Chemically sticky OOTFs have potential for utilization as coupling agents to achieve a high cross-link density and enhance stress transfer between the nanoclusters and the organic matrix molecules in metal-nanocluster-filled polymer matrix nanocomposites. The results of this work indicate that 1,4-phenylene diisocyanide is a suitable choice as a coupling agent for metal nanoclusters of Ni and Cu.     

Biomolecules as promising ligands in the synthesis of metal nanoclusters: Sensing,bioimaging and catalytic applications

The use of metal nanoclusters as sensing probes has recently attracted considerable interest from researchers. In particular, metallic nanoclusters (e.g., Au, Ag, Cu, Pt) have been noticed a wide range of applications in the field of fluorescence sensing and bioimaging. The stabilization of metal nanoclusters with organic molecules, proteins, and amino acids enhances their optical properties and analytical applications. In this review, synthetic routes for the fabrication of metal nanoclusters are summarized. This review also describes the metal nanoclusters properties including aggregation-induced emission, optical absorption, non-linear optical, and chiral properties. We discussed the analytical applications of metal nanoclusters for sensing of wide variety of analytes including drugs, biomolecules, biomarkers. Further, the catalytic applications of metal nanoclusters are also briefly summarized. Finally, we summarize the challenges and future perspectives of metal nanoclusters in analytical chemistry.     

Zn 还原过渡金属化合物制备金属粉体的过程

用Zn粉还原过渡金属Fe、Co、Ni和Cu的硫酸盐和硫酸铵复盐溶液，获得了相应金属的纳米粉体.详细研究了此反应的还原过程.用XRD、SEM、TEM和ED等方法对产物进行了表征，发现析出的粉体不同程度上均生成有Zn置换的固溶体. Fe在Zn粒外层生成薄层Fe-Zn固溶体，Ni和Co为粒径分别为7.5 nm和12.1 nm的Zn饱和固溶体， Cu则在外层生成Cu5Zn8的新相.讨论了还原过程的机制，认为和M-Zn电池电动势的驱动力有关.     

STM针尖诱导构筑-置换两步法制备Pt表面纳米结构

STM“Jump-to-contact”针尖诱导表面纳米构筑是目前水溶液中具有最高分辨率的一种表面纳米构筑技术.然而,一些金属因其具有较高的内聚能而难以发生针尖原子向表面的转移,限制了该技术的广泛应用.本文建立了以STM构筑-置换两步法获得不能直接利用“Jump-to-contact”原理进行构筑的金属表面纳米团簇阵列,利用STM针尖“Jump-to-contact”诱导在Au(111)表面构筑Cu纳米团簇阵列,然后通过Pt-Cu置换的方法,制备出Au(111)表面的Pt纳米团簇阵列.     

聚胸腺嘧啶单链DNA-CuNCs荧光增强法用于汞离子的高灵敏检测

基于Hg~(2+)与DNA中胸腺嘧啶(T)结合的高度特异性和DNA铜纳米簇的荧光增强性质,构建了一种简便、灵敏检测汞离子的新方法.当Hg~(2+)存在时,聚T单链DNA(P1)通过T-Hg~(2+)-T特异性结合形成双链DNA,Cu~(2+)经抗坏血酸钠还原后生成的中间体Cu+与双链DNA螺旋结构间的氢键部分有强的结合力,促使Cu0附着聚集在双链DNA上形成铜纳米簇,导致体系荧光增强,从而实现对汞离子的高灵敏检测.体系荧光强度与Hg~(2+)浓度的对数值成正比,对Hg~(2+)检测的线性范围为1.0 nmol/L~10μmol/L,检出限达0.4 nmol/L,对湖水样品中Hg~(2+)检测的回收率达到97.2%~106.6%.与传统方法相比,该方法具有无需标记、检出限低及选择性好等优点,可用于环境水体中汞离子的测定.     

Stabilizing and Organizing Bi3Cu4 and Bi7Cu12 Nanoclusters in Two‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Networks

Multinuclear heterometallic nanoclusters with controllable stoichiometry and structure are anticipated to possess promising catalytic, magnetic, and optical properties. Heterometallic nanoclusters with precise stoichiometry of Bi₃Cu₄ and Bi₇Cu₁₂ can be stabilized in the scaffold of two‐dimensional metal–organic networks on a Cu(111) surface through on‐surface metallosupramolecular self‐assembly processes. The atomic structures of the nanoclusters were resolved using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. The nanoclusters feature highly symmetric planar hexagonal shapes and core–shell charge modulation. The clusters are arranged as triangular lattices with a periodicity that can be tuned by choosing molecules of different size. This work shows that on‐surface metallosupramolecular self‐assembly creates unique possibilities for the design and synthesis of multinuclear heterometallic nanoclusters.     

Electroactive core-shell nanocluster films of heme proteins, polyelectrolytes, and silica nanoparticles

Novel protein core-shell nanocluster films were assembled layer by layer on solid surfaces. In the first step, positively charged heme protein hemoglobin (Hb) or myoglobin (Mb) and negatively charged poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were alternately adsorbed on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles, forming core-shell SiO2-(protein/PSS)m nanoclusters. In the second step, the SiO2-(protein/PSS)m nanoclusters and polycationic poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) were assembled layer by layer on various solid substrates, forming [[SiO2-(protein/PSS)m]/PEI]n films. Various techniques were used to characterize the nanoclusters and monitor the film growth. [[SiO2-(protein/PSS)m]/PEI]n films at pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes exhibited well-defined, chemically reversible cyclic voltammetric reduction-oxidation peaks characteristic of the heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. The proteins in the films retained near native conformations in the medium pH range, and the films catalyzed electrochemical reduction of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Advantages of the nanocluster films over the simple [SiO2/protein]n layer-by-layer films include a larger fraction of electroactive protein and higher specific biocatalytic activity. Using this approach, biocatalytic activity can be tailored and controlled by varying the number of bilayers deposited on the nanoparticle cores and the number of nanocluster layers on electrodes.     

Label-free fluorescent detection of copper(II) using DNA-templated highly luminescent silver nanoclusters

Novel luminescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) were synthesized utilizing DNA as templates by a simple, rapid and one-pot procedure. Luminescence studies indicated that these DNA-AgNCs exhibited strong emission with peak maximum at 624 nm. The fluorescence of the DNA-AgNCs was found to be quenched by Cu(2+) enabling its detection with high sensitivity and selectivity.     

New palladium nanoclusters. Synthesis,structure, and catalytic properties

The reduction of palladium(ii) carboxylates Pd₃(OCOR)₆ (R = Me, Et, CHMe₂, CMe₃) with hydrogen in alcohol solutions containing 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and subsequent oxidation with oxygen gave new palladium nanoclusters, mainly particles with a nearly spherical metal core and an average size of 18 . Based on elemental analysis, NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and EXAFS, nanoclusters were described by the idealized formula Pd₁₄₇phen₃₂O₆₀(OCOR)₃₀. The specimens contained up to 25% smaller 55-atomic Pd clusters with a 10 metal core. New nanoclusters catalyze hydrogenation of alkynes and alkenes, reduction of nitriles with formic acid, oxidation of aliphatic and benzylic alcohols, oxidative esterification of ethylene and propylene, and disproportionation of benzyl alcohol into toluene and benzaldehyde.     

Rapid sonochemical synthesis of highly luminescent non-toxic AuNCs and Au@AgNCs and Cu (II) sensing

Highly fluorescent and water-soluble gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with near-infrared-emission and Au@AgNCs with yellow-emission were successfully prepared via a rapid sonochemical approach, and the as-prepared AuNCs could be applied in the determination of Cu(2+) with a wider detection range and lower detection limit.     

金原子簇催化碳——碳偶联反应的研究进展

Well-defined gold nanoclusters have been documented as new and promising materials in the field of nanoscience. They have been well explored for the nanocatalysis of reactions like selective oxidation and hydrogenation, carbon-carbon coupling, etc. These Au nanoclusters possess unique electronic properties and crystal structure, which provide an excellent opportunity to correlate atomic structure with intrinsic catalytic property and to investigate the mechanisms of reactions over Au nanoclusters. In this review, we generalize the catalytic application of gold nanoclusters in carbon-carbon coupling reactions, including Ullmann, Sonogashira, Suzuki, and A³-coupling reactions. Herein, we have discussed ligand engineering (e.g., aromatic and aliphatic thiolate) as well as the effect of metal dopants (e.g., Cu, Ag, Pt, and Pd). Finally, the tentative catalytic mechanisms and the structure-performance relationships were discussed at the atomic level, which will give some clue for the design of efficient gold cluster catalysts.     

Improved photocatalytic efficiency of a WO3 system by an efficient visible-light induced hole transfer

Amorphous Cu(II) nanoclusters grafted WO(3) particles were coated on a smooth TiO(2) film, and site selective depositions of PbO(2) and metal Ag particles by photocatalytic processes were observed on TiO(2) and WO(3) due to transfer of holes to TiO(2), and accumulation of electrons in WO(3) respectively. As a result, the photocatalytic activity of TiO(2) modified Cu(II)-WO(3) increased ~3.5 fold higher than that of Cu(II)-WO(3).     

A test of the transition-metal nanocluster formation and stabilization ability of the most common polymeric stabilizer, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), as well as four other polymeric protectants

Following an introduction to the nanocluster stabilization literature and DLVO (Derjaugin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory of colloidal stability, the most common steric stabilizer of transition-metal nanoclusters, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), has been examined for its efficacy in the formation, stabilization, and subsequent catalytic activity of prototype, test case Ir(0)n nanoclusters. First, the five criteria established previously for ranking nanocluster protectants for their nanocluster formation and stabilization ability were evaluated for 1 monomer equiv of 10000 average molecular weight (MWav) PVP in the absence, and then presence, of the traditionally weakly coordinating anion BF4- as well as the absence and presence of the strongly coordinating, superior anionic stabilizer P2W15Nb3O62(9-), all in propylene carbonate solvent. It is found that neither 1 equiv of BF4- in propylene carbonate nor 1 monomer equiv of (undried) PVP alone allows for isolable and redissolvable nanoclusters without bulk Ir(0)n metal formation. Careful predrying of the PVP, and by implication other polymers, is shown to be necessary for the formation and stabilization of the nanoclusters. Next, 40 monomer equiv of 10000 MWav PVP and 1 equiv of BF4- in propylene carbonate are shown to allow isolable, redissolvable nanoclusters. Control experiments reveal little difference on nanocluster stabilization by 3500 or 55000 (i.e., vs 10,000) MWav PVP, but yield interesting effects on nanocluster nucleation by the 3500 MWav PVP, as well as by the polymer poly(bis(ethoxy)phosphazene) (PBEP). Four other key polymers reported in the literature to be nanocluster stabilizers are tested by the five criteria method for their efficacy in the formation and stabilization of Ir0n nanoclusters (now in acetone due to the polymers' solubility) and in comparison to each other, specifically, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(styrene) (PS), poly(methylhydrosilane) (PMHS), and PBEP. Only 40 monomer equiv dried PMMA allows isolable and redissolvable nanoclusters in acetone. Control/reference point experiments show that the electrostatic stabilizer P2W15Nb3O62(9-) is superior to each of the five polymeric stabilizers studied herein in both acetone and propylene carbonate, at least for the test case of Ir(0)n nanoclusters. Further controls show that 40 monomer equiv of PVP added to P2W15Nb3O(62)9--stabilized nanoclusters has no discernible effect on the five criteria other than to reduce by approximately 50% the nanocluster catalytic activity and total catalytic lifetime for cyclohexene hydrogenation. The main finding of this work is that DLVO theory as applied to nanocluster stabilization is fully supported; that is, surface-bound anions in high dielectric constant solvents provide superior stabilization. The importance of even traditionally weakly coordinating anions such as BF4- in nanocluster stabilization is a second, important finding of this work. The fact that HPO4(2-) has been shown to be a simple, cheap, commercially available, thermally robust, and 31P-NMR-handle-containing analogue of the more esoteric P2W15Nb3O62(9-) stabilizer is also discussed in the 14 total Conclusions from this first study ranking polymeric stabilizers of modern transition-metal nanoclusters.     

Superatom-in-Superatom Nanoclusters: Synthesis,Structure, and Photoluminescence

We report a new strategy in which a thiolate-protected Ag₂₅ nanocluster can be doped with open d-shell group 8 (Ru, Os) and 9 (Ir) metals by forming metal hydride (RuH₂, OsH₂, IrH) superatoms with a closed d-shell. Structural analyses using various experimental and theoretical methods revealed that the Ag₂₅ nanoclusters were co-doped with the open d-shell metal and hydride species to produce superatom-in-superatom nanoclusters, establishing a novel superatom doping phenomenon for open d-shell metals. The synthesized superatom-in-superatom nanoclusters exhibited dopant-dependent photoluminescence (PL) properties. Comparative PL lifetime studies of the Ag₂₅ nanoclusters doped with 8–10 group metals revealed that both radiative and nonradiative processes were significantly dependent on the dopant. The former is strongly correlated with the electron affinity of the metal dopant, whereas the latter is governed predominantly by the kernel structure changed upon the doping of the metal hydride(s).     

Sub-nanometre sized metal clusters: from synthetic challenges to the unique property discoveries

Sub-nanometre sized metal clusters, with dimensions between metal atoms and nanoparticles, have attracted more and more attention due to their unique electronic structures and the subsequent unusual physical and chemical properties. However, the tiny size of the metal clusters brings the difficulty of their synthesis compared to the easier preparation of large nanoparticles. Up to now various synthetic techniques and routes have been successfully applied to the preparation of sub-nanometre clusters. Among the metals, gold clusters, especially the alkanethiolate monolayer protected clusters (MPCs), have been extensively investigated during the past decades. In recent years, silver and copper nanoclusters have also attracted enormous interest mainly due to their excellent photoluminescent properties. Meanwhile, more structural characteristics, particular optical, catalytic, electronic and magnetic properties and the related technical applications of the metal nanoclusters have been discovered in recent years. In this critical review, recent advances in sub-nanometre sized metal clusters (Au, Ag, Cu, etc.) including the synthetic techniques, structural characterizations, novel physical, chemical and optical properties and their potential applications are discussed in detail. We finally give a brief outlook on the future development of metal nanoclusters from the viewpoint of controlled synthesis and their potential applications.