A1 Journal article (refereed)
Covalently linked multimers of gold nanoclusters Au102(p-MBA)44 and Au∼250(p-MBA)n (2016)

Lahtinen, T., Hulkko, E., Sokołowska, K., Tero, T.-R., Saarnio, V., Lindgren, J., Pettersson, M., Häkkinen, H., & Lehtovaara, L. (2016). Covalently linked multimers of gold nanoclusters Au102(p-MBA)44 and Au∼250(p-MBA)n. Nanoscale, 8(44), 18665-18674. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05267C

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Publication details

All authors or editors: Lahtinen, Tanja; Hulkko, Eero; Sokołowska, Karolina; Tero, Tiia-Riikka; Saarnio, Ville; Lindgren, Johan; Pettersson, Mika; Häkkinen, Hannu; Lehtovaara, Lauri

Journal or series: Nanoscale

ISSN: 2040-3364

eISSN: 2040-3372

Publication year: 2016

Volume: 8

Issue number: 44

Pages range: 18665-18674

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05267C

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/51936

Abstract

We present the synthesis, separation, and characterization of covalently-bound multimers of para-mercaptobenzoic acid (p-MBA) protected gold nanoclusters. The multimers were synthesized by performing a ligand-exchange reaction of a pre-characterized Au102(p-MBA)44 nanocluster with biphenyl-4,4′-dithiol (BPDT). The reaction products were separated using gel electrophoresis yielding several distinct bands. The bands were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealing monomer, dimer, and trimer fractions of the nanocluster. TEM analysis of dimers in combination with molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the nanoclusters are covalently bound via a disulfide bridge between BPDT molecules. The linking chemistry is not specific to Au102(p-MBA)44. The same approach yields multimers also for a larger monodisperse p-MBA-protected cluster of approximately 250 gold atoms, Au∼250(p-MBA)n. While the Au102(p-MBA)44 is not plasmonic, the Au∼250(p-MBA)n nanocluster supports localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 530 nm. Multimers of the Au∼250(p-MBA)n exhibit additional transitions in their UV-vis spectrum at 630 nm and 810 nm, indicating the presence of hybridized LSPR modes. Well-defined structures and relatively small sizes make these systems excellent candidates for connecting ab initio theoretical studies and experimental quantum plasmonics. Moreover, our work opens new possibilities in the controlled synthesis of advanced monodisperse nanocluster superstructures.

Free keywords: multimers; gold nanoclusters

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Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2016

JUFO rating: 1