Synthesis and Optical Properties of Unique Pt1Ag24Nanoclusters with Mixed Exterior Motif Structures

Abstract

The atomic arrangement of metal nanoclusters plays a significant role in the structure-property correlation. Herein, we present a novel Pt1Ag24(SR)16(PPh3)3 nanocluster with a unique structure, different from two reported Pt1Ag24 nanoclusters. The nanocluster was prepared via one-pot synthesis and solvent extraction. It has a centered icosahedral Pt1Ag12 kernel and an open shell composed of three Ag2(SR)3(PPh3) staple motifs and a unique trefoil-like Ag6(SR)7 motif. The three kinds of Pt1Ag24 nanoclusters have the same kernel but different shell configurations. The fine-tuning of structures is necessary and significant for the investigation of the relationship of structures and properties. The different UV-vis absorption spectra indicate that the optical properties of three Pt1Ag24 nanoclusters mainly depend on the exterior shell configuration and the metal-ligand interface. This work provides insights toward growth mechanism and the structure-property correlation of metal nanoclusters.