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Li S, Li NN, Dong XY, Zang SQ, Mak TCW. Chemical Flexibility of Atomically Precise Metal Clusters. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 38696258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Ligand-protected metal clusters possess hybrid properties that seamlessly combine an inorganic core with an organic ligand shell, imparting them exceptional chemical flexibility and unlocking remarkable application potential in diverse fields. Leveraging chemical flexibility to expand the library of available materials and stimulate the development of new functionalities is becoming an increasingly pressing requirement. This Review focuses on the origin of chemical flexibility from the structural analysis, including intra-cluster bonding, inter-cluster interactions, cluster-environments interactions, metal-to-ligand ratios, and thermodynamic effects. In the introduction, we briefly outline the development of metal clusters and explain the differences and commonalities of M(I)/M(I/0) coinage metal clusters. Additionally, we distinguish the bonding characteristics of metal atoms in the inorganic core, which give rise to their distinct chemical flexibility. Section 2 delves into the structural analysis, bonding categories, and thermodynamic theories related to metal clusters. In the following sections 3 to 7, we primarily elucidate the mechanisms that trigger chemical flexibility, the dynamic processes in transformation, the resultant alterations in structure, and the ensuing modifications in physical-chemical properties. Section 8 presents the notable applications that have emerged from utilizing metal clusters and their assemblies. Finally, in section 9, we discuss future challenges and opportunities within this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Li
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Na-Na Li
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Xi-Yan Dong
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Shuang-Quan Zang
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Thomas C W Mak
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, China
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Chiu TH, Liao JH, Silalahi RPB, Pillay MN, Liu CW. Hydride-doped coinage metal superatoms and their catalytic applications. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:675-692. [PMID: 38507282 DOI: 10.1039/d4nh00036f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Superatomic constructs have been identified as a critical component of future technologies. The isolation of coinage metal superatoms relies on partially reducing metallic frameworks to accommodate the mixed valent state required to generate a superatom. Controlling this reduction requires careful consideration in reducing the agent, temperature, and the ligand that directs the self-assembly process. Hydride-based reducing agents dominate the synthetic wet chemical routes to coinage metal clusters. However, within this category, a unique subset of superatoms that retain a hydride/s within the nanocluster post-reduction have emerged. These stable constructs have only recently been characterized in the solid state and have highly unique structural features and properties. The difficulty in identifying the position of hydrides in electron-rich metallic constructs requires the combination and correlation of several analytical methods, including ESI-MS, NMR, SCXRD, and DFT. This text highlights the importance of NMR in detecting hydride environments in these superatomic systems. Added to the complexity of these systems is the dual nature of the hydride, which can act as metallic hydrogen in some cases, resulting in entirely different physical properties. This review includes all hydride-doped superatomic nanoclusters emphasizing synthesis, structure, and catalytic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hao Chiu
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Jian-Hong Liao
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Rhone P Brocha Silalahi
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Michael N Pillay
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - C W Liu
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Wang J, Ma A, Ren Y, Shen X, Wang Y, Song C, Wang S. An Au 5Ag 12(SR) 9(dppf) 4 alloy nanocluster: structural determination and optical property and photothermal conversion investigation. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38634772 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00312h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Photothermal conversion has garnered significant attention due to its potential for efficient energy conversion and application in targeted therapies. However, controlling photothermal properties at the atomic level remains a challenge in current materials synthesis. In this study, we report the synthesis and structural determination of a phosphine and mercaptan co-protected Au5Ag12(SR)9(dppf)4 (Au5Ag12) nanocluster with an extremely low quantum yield (∼0%). For comparative purposes, we synthesized three alloy nanoclusters of similar size. Notably, Au5Ag12 demonstrates a remarkably superior photothermal conversion performance, significantly outperforming the other clusters. We investigated this variance from both absorption and emission perspectives. This research not only opens new avenues for the application of clusters with extremely low quantum yields, but also provides experimental evidence for understanding the photothermal conversion properties of cluster materials at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Along Ma
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Yonggang Ren
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Xuekairui Shen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Yifei Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Caixia Song
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Shuxin Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
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Mu WL, Luo YT, Xia PK, Jia YL, Wang P, Pei Y, Liu C. Atomically Precise Mo 2Cu 17 Bimetallic Nanocluster: Synergistic Mo 2O 4-Coupled Copper Alkynyl Cluster for the Improved Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Performance. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:6767-6775. [PMID: 38569160 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Electrolytic hydrogen production via water splitting holds significant promise for the future of the energy revolution. The design of efficient and abundant catalysts, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) mechanism, is of paramount importance. In this study, we propose a strategy to craft an atomically precise cluster catalyst with superior HER performance by cocoupling a Mo2O4 structural unit and a Cu(I) alkynyl cluster into a structured framework. The resulting bimetallic cluster, Mo2Cu17, encapsulates a distinctive structure [Mo2O4Cu17(TC4A)4(PhC≡C)6], comprising a binuclear Mo2O4 subunit and a {Cu17(TC4A)2(PhC≡C)6} cluster, both shielded by thiacalix[4]arene (TC4A) and phenylacetylene (PhC≡CH). Expanding our exploration, we synthesized two homoleptic CuI alkynyl clusters coprotected by the TC4A and PhC≡C- ligands: Cu13 and Cu22. Remarkably, Mo2Cu17 demonstrates superior HER efficiency compared to its counterparts, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in alkaline solution with an overpotential as low as 120 mV, significantly outperforming Cu13 (178 mV) and Cu22 (214 mV) nanoclusters. DFT calculations illuminate the catalytic mechanism and indicate that the intrinsically higher activity of Mo2Cu17 may be attributed to the synergistic Mo2O4-Cu(I) coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Lei Mu
- College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Ting Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Kun Xia
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Lei Jia
- College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Yong Pei
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
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Devi A, Minhas H, Sahoo L, Rashi, Gratious S, Das A, Mandal S, Pathak B, Patra A. Insights of the efficient hydrogen evolution reaction performance in bimetallic Au 4Cu 2 nanoclusters. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:1758-1769. [PMID: 38167690 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05445d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The design of efficient electrocatalysts for improving hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance using atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) is an emerging area of research. Here, we have studied the HER electrocatalytic performance of monometallic Cu6 and Au6 nanoclusters and bimetallic Au4Cu2 nanoclusters. A bimetallic Au4Cu2/MoS2 composite exhibits excellent HER catalytic activity with an overpotential (η10) of 155 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode observed at 10 mA cm-2 current density. The improved HER performance in Au4Cu2 is due to the increased electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and Au4Cu2 NCs exhibits better stability than Cu6 and Au6 systems and bare MoS2. This augmentation offers a greater number of active sites for the favorable adsorption of reaction intermediates. Furthermore, by employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman analysis, the kinetics of HER in the Au4Cu2/MoS2 composite were elucidated, attributing the favorable performance to better electronic interactions occurring at the interface between Au4Cu2 NCs and the MoS2 substrate. Theoretical analysis reveals that the inherent catalytic enhancement in Au4Cu2/MoS2 is due to favorable H atom adsorption over it and the smallest ΔGH* value. The downshift in the d-band of the Au4Cu2/MoS2 composite influences the binding energy of intermediate catalytic species. This new catalyst sheds light on the structure-property relationship for improving electrocatalytic performance at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Devi
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali 14036, India
| | - Harpriya Minhas
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 453552, India.
| | - Lipipuspa Sahoo
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali 14036, India
| | - Rashi
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali 14036, India
| | - Saniya Gratious
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695551, India
| | - Amitabha Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 453552, India.
| | - Sukhendu Mandal
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695551, India
| | - Biswarup Pathak
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 453552, India.
| | - Amitava Patra
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali 14036, India
- School of Materials Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
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Li Y, Stec GJ, Thorarinsdottir AE, McGillicuddy RD, Zheng SL, Mason JA. The role of metal accessibility on carbon dioxide electroreduction in atomically precise nanoclusters. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12283-12291. [PMID: 37969596 PMCID: PMC10631301 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04085b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) can be designed with high faradaic efficiency for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO (FECO) and provide useful model systems for studying the metal-catalysed CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). While size-dependent trends are commonly evoked, the effect of NC size on catalytic activity is often convoluted by other factors such as changes to surface structure, ligand density, and electronic structure, which makes it challenging to establish rigorous structure-property relationships. Herein, we report a detailed investigation of a series of NCs [AunAg46-n(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)24Cl4(PPh3)2, Au24Ag20(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)24Cl2, and Au43(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)20/Au42Ag1(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)20] with similar sizes and core structures but different ligand packing densities to investigate how the number of accessible metal sites impacts CO2RR activity and selectivity. We develop a simple method to determine the number of CO2-accessible sites for a given NC then use this to probe relationships between surface accessibility and CO2RR performance for atomically precise NC catalysts. Specifically, the NCs with the highest number of accessible metal sites [Au43(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)20 and Au42Ag1(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)20] feature a FECO of >90% at -0.57 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), while NCs with lower numbers of accessible metal sites have a reduced FECO. In addition, CO2RR studies performed on other Au-alkynyl NCs that span a wider range of sizes further support the relationship between FECO and the number of accessible metal sites, regardless of NC size. This work establishes a generalizable approach to evaluating the potential of atomically precise NCs for electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwei Li
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University 12 Oxford Street Cambridge Massachusetts 02138 USA
| | - Grant J Stec
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University 12 Oxford Street Cambridge Massachusetts 02138 USA
| | - Agnes E Thorarinsdottir
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University 12 Oxford Street Cambridge Massachusetts 02138 USA
| | - Ryan D McGillicuddy
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University 12 Oxford Street Cambridge Massachusetts 02138 USA
| | - Shao-Liang Zheng
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University 12 Oxford Street Cambridge Massachusetts 02138 USA
| | - Jarad A Mason
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University 12 Oxford Street Cambridge Massachusetts 02138 USA
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Luo XM, Li YK, Dong XY, Zang SQ. Platonic and Archimedean solids in discrete metal-containing clusters. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:383-444. [PMID: 36533405 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00582d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Metal-containing clusters have attracted increasing attention over the past 2-3 decades. This intense interest can be attributed to the fact that these discrete metal aggregates, whose atomically precise structures are resolved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), often possess intriguing geometrical features (high symmetry, aesthetically pleasing shapes and architectures) and fascinating physical properties, providing invaluable opportunities for the intersection of different disciplines including chemistry, physics, mathematical geometry and materials science. In this review, we attempt to reinterpret and connect these fascinating clusters from the perspective of Platonic and Archimedean solid characteristics, focusing on highly symmetrical and complex metal-containing (metal = Al, Ti, V, Mo, W, U, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, lanthanoids (Ln), and actinoids) high-nuclearity clusters, including metal-oxo/hydroxide/chalcogenide clusters and metal clusters (with metal-metal binding) protected by surface organic ligands, such as thiolate, phosphine, alkynyl, carbonyl and nitrogen/oxygen donor ligands. Furthermore, we present the symmetrical beauty of metal cluster structures and the geometrical similarity of different types of clusters and provide a large number of examples to show how to accurately describe the metal clusters from the perspective of highly symmetrical polyhedra. Finally, knowledge and further insights into the design and synthesis of unknown metal clusters are put forward by summarizing these "star" molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Ming Luo
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Ya-Ke Li
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xi-Yan Dong
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. .,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
| | - Shuang-Quan Zang
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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