Crystal Structure, Photophysical Properties, and Theoretical Investigation of Extremely Distorted Pentacapped Trigonal-Prismatic Undecasilver Clusters

Silver Cluster Assembled Materials: A Model-Driven Perspective on Recent Progress, with a Spotlight on Ag12 Cluster Assembly

The exploration of individual nanoclusters is rapidly advancing, despite stability concerns. To address this challenge, the assembly of cluster nodes through linker molecules has been successfully implemented. However, the linking of the cluster nodes itself introduces a multitude of possibilities, especially when additional factors come into play. While this method proves effective in enhancing material stability, the specific reasons behind its success remain elusive. In our laboratory, we have undertaken extensive studies on Ag cluster-assembled materials. So, here our goal is to establish a model system that allows for the discernment of various factors, eliminating unnecessary complexities during the linking approach. So, we hope that the systematic discourse presented in here will contribute significantly to future endeavors, helping to set clear priorities, and provide solutions to concerns that arise when working with a model system.

Clarifying the Electronic Structure of Anion-Templated Silver Nanoclusters by Optical Absorption Spectroscopy and Theoretical Calculation

Electronic structures of anion-templated silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) are not well understood compared to conventional, template-free Ag NCs. In this study, we synthesized three new anion-templated Ag NCs, namely [S@Ag17(S-4CBM)15(PPh3)5]0, [S@Ag18(S-4CBM)16(PPh3)8]0, and [Cl@Ag18(S-4CBM)16(PPh3)8][PPh4], where S-4CBM = 4-chlorobenzene methanethiolate, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography revealed that they have S@Ag6, S@Ag10, and Cl@Ag10 cores, respectively. Investigation of their electronic structures by optical spectroscopy and theoretical calculations elucidated the following unique features: (1) their electronic structures are different from those of template-free Ag NCs described by the superatomic concept; (2) optical absorption in the range of 550-400 nm for S2--templated Ag NCs is attributed to the charge transitions from S2--templated Ag-cage orbitals to the s-shaped orbital in the S2- moiety; (3) the Cl--templated Ag NCs can be viewed as [Cl@Ag18(S-4CBM)16(PPh3)8]0[PPh4]0 rather than the ion pair [Cl@Ag18(S-4CBM)16(PPh3)8]-[PPh4]+; and (4) singlet-coupled singly occupied orbitals are involved in the optical absorption of the Cl--templated Ag NC.

Anion-templated silver nanoclusters: precise synthesis and geometric structure

Metal nanoclusters (NCs) are gaining much attention in nanoscale materials research because they exhibit size-specific physicochemical properties that are not observed in the corresponding bulk metals. Among them, silver (Ag) NCs can be precisely synthesized not only as pure Ag NCs but also as anion-templated Ag NCs. For anion-templated Ag NCs, we can expect the following capabilities: 1) size and shape control by regulating the central anion (anion template); 2) stabilization by adjusting the charge interaction between the central anion and surrounding Ag atoms; and 3) functionalization by selecting the type of central anion. In this review, we summarize the synthesis methods and influences of the central anion on the geometric structure of anion-templated Ag NCs, which include halide ions, chalcogenide ions, oxoanions, polyoxometalate, or hydride/deuteride as the central anion. This summary provides a reference for the current state of anion-templated Ag NCs, which may promote the development of anion-templated Ag NCs with novel geometric structures and physicochemical properties.

A New Synthetic Methodology in the Preparation of Bimetallic Chalcogenide Clusters via Cluster-to-Cluster Transformations

A decanuclear silver chalcogenide cluster, [Ag₁₀(Se){Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₈] (2) was isolated from a hydride-encapsulated silver diisopropyl diselenophosphates, [Ag₇(H){Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₆], under thermal condition. The time-dependent NMR spectroscopy showed that 2 was generated at the first three hours and the hydrido silver cluster was completely consumed after thirty-six hours. This method illustrated as cluster-to-cluster transformations can be applied to prepare selenide-centered decanuclear bimetallic clusters, [Cu_xAg_10-x(Se){Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₈] (x = 0-7, 3), via heating [Cu_xAg_7-x(H){Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₆] (x = 1-6) at 60 °C. Compositions of 3 were accurately confirmed by the ESI mass spectrometry. While the crystal 2 revealed two un-identical [Ag₁₀(Se){Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₈] structures in the asymmetric unit, a co-crystal of [Cu₃Ag₇(Se){Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₈]_0.6[Cu₄Ag₆(Se){Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₈]_0.4 ([3a]_0.6[3b]_0.4) was eventually characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Even though compositions of 2, [3a]_0.6[3b]_0.4 and the previous published [Ag₁₀(Se){Se₂P(OEt)₂}₈] (1) are quite similar (10 metals, 1 Se^2-, 8 ligands), their metal core arrangements are completely different. These results show that different synthetic methods by using different starting reagents can affect the structure of the resulting products, leading to polymorphism.