We present a versatile approach for tuning the surface functionality of an atomically precise 25 atom gold cluster using specific host-guest interactions between β-cyclodextrin (CD) and the ligand anchored on the cluster. The supramolecular interaction between the Au25 cluster protected by 4-(t-butyl)benzyl mercaptan, labeled Au25SBB18, and CD yielding Au25SBB18â̂©CDn (n = 1, 2, 3, and 4) has been probed experimentally using various spectroscopic techniques and was further analyzed by density functional theory calculations and molecular modeling. The viability of our method in modifying the properties of differently functionalized Au25 clusters is demonstrated. Besides modifying their optoelectronic properties, the CD moieties present on the cluster surface provide enhanced stability and optical responses which are crucial in view of the potential applications of these systems. Here, the CD molecules act as an umbrella which protects the fragile cluster core from the direct interaction with many destabilizing agents such as metal ions, ligands, and so on. Apart from the inherent biocompatibility of the CD-protected Au clusters, additional capabilities acquired by the supramolecular functionalization make such modified clusters preferred materials for applications, including those in biology. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Pradeep Thalappil

Department Of Chemistry

Ammu Mathew

Ganapati Natarajan

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

HOST GUEST INTERACTIONS

Inclusion complex

Optoelectronic properties

QUANTUM CLUSTERS

Spectroscopic technique

SUPRAMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS

SURFACE FUNCTIONALITIES

biocompatibility

Cyclodextrins

Ligands

Metal ions

Supramolecular chemistry

Gold compounds

Gold

article

chemistry

Mass spectrometry

molecular probe

ultraviolet spectrophotometry

Molecular Probes

Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

IIT Madras is a public technical and research university located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Founded in 1959, it is recognised as an Institute of National Importance.

IIT Madras has been ranked as the top engineering institute in India for four years in a row by the National Institutional Ranking Framework of the MHRD

It currently offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees across 16 disciplines in Engineering, Sciences, Humanities and Management. About 596 faculty belonging to science and engineering departments and centres of the Institute are engaged in teaching, research and industrial consultancy.

IIT Madras

ACS Nano

Mass spectrometry (MS), a hundred-year-old subject, has been a technique of profound importance to molecular science. Its impact in solid-state materials science has not been evident, although many materials of modern science, such as fullerenes, have their origins in MS. Of late, mass spectrometric interface with materials is increasingly strengthened with advances in atomically precise clusters of noble metals. Advances in instrumentation along with recent developments in synthetic approaches have expanded the chemistry of clusters, and new insights into matter at the nanoscale are emerging. High-resolution MS coupled with soft ionization techniques enable efficient characterization of atomically precise clusters. Apart from that, techniques such as ion mobility, tandem MS, etc. reveal structural details of these systems. Growth, nucleation, and reactivity of clusters are also probed by MS. Some of the recent advancements in this field include the development of new hyphenated techniques. Finer structural details may be obtained by coupling MS with spectroscopic tools, such as photoelectron spectroscopy, vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy, etc. With such advancements in instrumentation, MS can evolve into a universal tool for the characterization of materials. The present review captures highlights of this area. © 2019, The Author(s).

Fulltext

NPG Asia Materials

The emerging interface of mass spectrometry with materials

ConspectusSupramolecular chemistry is a major area of chemistry that utilizes weaker non-covalent interactions between molecules, including hydrogen bonding, van der Waals, electrostatic, π···π, and C-H···π interactions. Such forces have been the basis of several molecular self-assemblies and host-guest complexes in organic, inorganic, and biological systems. Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) are materials of growing interest that display interesting structure-property correlations. The evolving science of such systems reaffirms their molecular behavior. This gives a possibility of exploring their supramolecular chemistry, leading to assemblies with similar or dissimilar cluster molecules. Such assemblies with compositional, structural, and conformational precision may ultimately result in cluster-assembled hybrid materials. In this Account, we present recent advancements on different possibilities of supramolecular interactions in atomically precise cluster systems that can occur at different length scales. We first present a brief discussion of the aspicule model of clusters, considering Au 25 (SR) 18 as an example, that can explain various aspects of its atomic precision and distinguish the similar or dissimilar interacting sites in their structures. The supramolecular interaction of 4-tert-butylbenzyl mercaptan (BBSH)-protected [Au 25 (SBB) 18 ] - NCs with cyclodextrins (CD) to form Au 25 SBB 18 ∩CD n (n = 1-4) and that of [Ag 29 (BDT) 12 ] 3- with fullerenes to form [Ag 29 (BDT) 12 (C 60 ) n ] 3- (n = 1-9) (BDT = 1,3-benzenedithiolate) are discussed subsequently. The formation of these adducts was studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS), optical absorption and NMR spectroscopy. In the subsequent sections, we discuss how variation in intercluster interactions can lead to polymorphic crystals, which are observable in single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Taking [Ag 29 (BDT) 12 (TPP) 4 ] 3- (TPP = triphenylphosphine) clusters as an example, we discuss how the different patterns of C-H···π and π···π interactions between the secondary ligands can alter the packing of the NCs into cubic and trigonal lattices. Finally, we discuss how the supramolecular interactions of atomically precise clusters can result in their hybrid assemblies with plasmonic nanostructures. The interaction of p-mercaptobenzoic acid (p-MBA)-protected Ag 44 (p-MBA) 30 NCs with tellurium nanowires (Te NWs) can form crossed-bilayer precision assemblies with a woven-fabric-like structure with an angle of 81° between the layers. Similar crossed-bilayer assemblies show an angle of 77° when Au 102 (p-MBA) 44 clusters are used to form the structure. Such assemblies were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Precision in these hybrid assemblies of Te NWs was highly controlled by the geometry of the ligands on the NC surface. Moreover, we also present how Ag 44 (p-MBA) 30 clusters can encapsulate gold nanorods to form cage-like nanostructures. Such studies involved TEM, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and three-dimensional tomographic reconstructions of the nanostructures. The hydrogen bonding interactions of the -COOH groups of the p-MBA ligands were the major driving force in both of these cases. An important aspect that is central to the advancement of the area is the close interplay of molecular tools such as MS with structural tools such as TEM along with detailed computational modeling. We finally conclude this Account with a future perspective on the supramolecular chemistry of clusters. Advancements in this field will help in developing new materials with potential optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. © Copyright © 2018 American Chemical Society.

Accounts of Chemical Research

Approaching Materials with Atomic Precision Using Supramolecular Cluster Assemblies

We report the first example of a covalently bound dimer of monolayer protected atomically precise silver nanocluster [Ag25(DMBT)18]- (DMBT stands for 2,4-dimethylbenzenethiol). Covalently linked dimers could be important to design new cluster assembled materials with composite properties. © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Chemical Communications

A covalently linked dimer of [Ag25(DMBT)18]-

We report the formation of supramolecular adducts between monolayer-protected noble metal nanoclusters and fullerenes, specifically focusing on a well-known silver cluster, [Ag29(BDT)12]3-, where BDT is 1,3-benzenedithiol. We demonstrate that C60 molecules link with the cluster at specific locations and protect the fragile cluster core, enhancing the stability of the cluster. A combination of studies including UV-vis, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, collision-induced dissociation, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed structural details of the fullerene-functionalized clusters, [Ag29(BDT)12(C60)n]3- (n = 1-9). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular docking simulations affirm compatibility between the cluster and C60, resulting in its attachment at specific positions on the surface of the cluster, stabilized mainly by π-π and van der Waals interactions. The structures have also been confirmed from ion mobility mass spectrometry by comparing the experimental collision cross sections (CCSs) with the theoretical CCSs of the DFT-optimized structures. The gradual evolution of the structures with an increase in the number of fullerene attachments to the cluster has been investigated. Whereas the structure for n = 4 is tetrahedral, that of n = 8 is a distorted cube with a cluster at the center and fullerenes at the vertices. Another fullerene, C70, also exhibited similar behavior. Modified clusters are expected to show interesting properties. © 2018 American Chemical Society.

Fullerene-Functionalized Monolayer-Protected Silver Clusters: [Ag29(BDT)12(C60)n]3- (n = 1-9)

ConspectusNanoparticles exhibit a rich variety in terms of structure, composition, and properties. However, reactions between them remain largely unexplored. In this Account, we discuss an emerging aspect of nanomaterials chemistry, namely, interparticle reactions in solution phase, similar to reactions between molecules, involving atomically precise noble metal clusters. A brief historical account of the developments, starting from the bare, gas phase clusters, which led to the synthesis of atomically precise monolayer protected clusters in solution, is presented first. Then a reaction between two thiolate-protected, atomically precise noble metal clusters, [Au25(PET)18]- and [Ag44(FTP)30]4- (PET = 2-phenylethanethiol, FTP = 4-fluorothiophenol), is presented wherein these clusters spontaneously exchange metal atoms, ligands, and metal-ligand fragments between them under ambient conditions. The number of exchanged species could be controlled by varying the initial compositions of the reactant clusters. Next, a reaction of [Au25(PET)18]- with its structural analogue [Ag25(DMBT)18]- (DMBT = 2,4-dimethylbenzenethiol) is presented, which shows that atom-exchange reactions happen with structures conserved. We detected a transient dianionic adduct, [Ag25Au25(DMBT)18(PET)18]2-, formed between the two clusters indicating that this adduct could be a possible intermediate of the reaction. A reaction involving a dithiolate-protected cluster, [Ag29(BDT)12]3- (BDT = 1,3-benzenedithiol), is also presented wherein metal atom exchange alone occurs, but with no ligand and fragment exchanges. These examples demonstrate that the nature of the metal-thiolate interface, that is, its bonding network and dynamics, play crucial roles in dictating the type of exchange processes and overall rates. We also discuss a recently proposed structural model of these clusters, namely, the Borromean ring model, to understand the dynamics of the metal-ligand interfaces and to address the site specificity and selectivity in these reactions.In the subsequent sections, reactions involving atomically precise noble metal clusters and one- and two-dimensional nanosystems are presented. We show that highly protected, stable clusters such as [Au25(PET)18]- undergo chemical transformation on graphenic surfaces to form a bigger cluster, Au135(PET)57. Finally, we present the transformation of tellurium nanowires (Te NWs) to Ag-Te-Ag dumbbell nanostructures through a reaction with an atomically precise silver cluster, Ag32(SG)19 (SG = glutathione thiolate).The starting materials and the products were characterized using high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, UV/vis absorption, luminescence spectroscopies, etc. We have analyzed principally mass spectrometric data to understand these reactions.In summary, we present the emergence of a new branch of chemistry involving the reactions of atomically precise cluster systems, which are prototypical nanoparticles. We demonstrate that such interparticle chemistry is not limited to metal clusters; it occurs across zero-, one-, and two-dimensional nanosystems leading to specific transformations. We conclude this Account with a discussion of the limitations in understanding of these reactions and future directions in this area of nanomaterials chemistry. © 2017 American Chemical Society.

Interparticle Reactions: An Emerging Direction in Nanomaterials Chemistry

This report describes the precise and systematic synthesis of PdAu 24 clusters protected with two types of thiolate ligands (-SR1 and -SR2). It involved high-resolution separation of metal clusters containing a distribution of chemical compositions, PdAu24(SR1) 18-n(SR2)n (n = 0, 1, 2,⋯, 18), to individual clusters of specific n using high-performance liquid chromatography. Similar high-resolution separation was achieved for a few ligand combinations as well as clusters with other metal cores, such as Au25 and Au38. These results demonstrate the ability to precisely control the chemical composition of two types of ligands in thiolate-protected mono- and bimetallic metal clusters. It is expected that greater functional control of thiolate-protected metal clusters, their regular arrays, and systematic variation of their properties can now be achieved. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

Separation of precise compositions of noble metal clusters protected with mixed ligands

How low can you go? The visual detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and Hg2+ at the sub-zeptomole level is demonstrated. This was achieved using a hybrid material that allowed for the development of a single-particle, single-molecule detection technique, which may be the ultimate in ultra-trace sensitivity with selectivity. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

Selective visual detection of TNT at the sub-zeptomole level

We have prepared Au15 quantum clusters anchored to α, β, and γcyclodextrin (CD) cavities. The synthesis process involves the core etching of larger clusters and the simultaneous trapping of the clusters formed inside the CD cavities. The clusters were characterized by various tools, such as optical absorption and luminescence spectroscopies, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), circular dichroism spectroscopy, and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectroscopy. Trapping of the cluster in the CD cavity was proven by circular dichroism and also by rotational Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY), in terms of the distinct cross peak between proton "e" of the glutathione (-SG) ligand and the ∼3 "e" proton of CD. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies showed a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼3-4 nm, indicating one CD molecule per cluster with an extension of one water of hydration. The clusters are intensely luminescent, with major lifetime components of 28, 71, and 24 ps for Au 15@ αCD, Au15atβCD, and Au 15atγCD, respectively. The clusters also are strongly luminescent in the solid state. Both in the solution and in the solid state, the luminescence is sensitive to solvents/vapors. The clusters adhere to glass plates, and the solvent dependency of luminescence was used to create patterns that are erased upon gradual evaporation of the solvent. This self-erasing property was further demonstrated with clusters supported on a thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate. Selective detection of metal ions using the luminescence of the clusters is reported. Evaporation of the cluster solutions leads to luminescent gel-like materials. © 2011 American Chemical Society.

Chemistry of Materials

Quantum clusters in cavities: Trapped Au15 in cyclodextrins

The synthesis of a luminescent quantum cluster (QC) of gold with a quantum yield of ∼4% is reported. It was synthesized in gram quantities by the core etching of mercaptosuccinic acid protected gold nanoparticles by bovine serum albumin (BSA), abbreviated as AuQC@BSA. The cluster was characterized and a core of Au38 was assigned tentatively from mass spectrometric analysis. Luminescence of the QC is exploited as a "turn-off" sensor for Cu 2+ ions and a "turn-on" sensor for glutathione detection. Metal-enhanced luminescence (MEL) of this QC in the presence of silver nanoparticles is demonstrated and a ninefold maximum enhancement is seen. This is the first report of the observation of MEL from QCs. Folic acid conjugated AuQC@BSA was found to be internalized to a significant extent by oral carcinoma KB cells through folic acid mediated endocytosis. The inherent luminescence of the internalized AuQC@BSA was used in cell imaging. © 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemistry - A European Journal

Luminescent quantum clusters of gold in bulk by albumin-induced core etching of nanoparticles: Metal ion sensing, metal-enhanced luminescence, and biolabeling

A novel interfacial route has been developed for the synthesis of a bright-red-emitting new subnanocluster, Au23, by the core etching of a widely explored and more stable cluster, Au25SG18 (in which SG is glutathione thiolate). A slight modification of this procedure results in the formation of two other known subnanoclusters, Au22 and Au33. Whereas Au22 and Au23 are water soluble and brightly fluorescent with quantum yields of 2.5 and 1.3%, respectively, Au33 is organic soluble and less fluorescent, with a quantum yield of 0.1%. Au23 exhibits quenching of fluorescence selectively in the presence of Cu2+ ions and it can therefore be used as a metal-ion sensor. Aqueous- to organic-phase transfer of Au23 has been carried out with fluorescence enhancement. Sol-vent dependency on the fluorescence of Au23 before and after phase transfer has been studied extensively and the quantum yield of the cluster varies with the solvent used. The temperature response of Au23 emission has been demonstrated. The inherent fluorescence of Au23 was used for imaging human hepatoma cells by employing the avidin-biotin interaction. © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA.

Bright, NIR-emitting Au23 from Au25: Characterization and applications including biolabeling

Supramolecular functionalization and concomitant enhancement in properties of Au25 clusters

Journal	ACS Nano
ISSN	19360851
Open Access	No