Au25@SiO2: Quantum clusters of gold embedded in silica

Abstract

The formation of Au25@SiO2 is reported in which the quantum clusters (QCs) are embedded in a layer of silica. Polydisperse Au mSGn QCs are converted rapidly into monodisperse Au 25 QCs by the addition of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTS) with 7-times-higher yield when compared to the glutathione-mediated synthesis. Subsequent hydro-lysis and condensation results in the formation of Au 25@SiO2. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.