| Author(s): |
John M. Pettibone; Jeffrey W. Hudgens; |
| Title: |
Reaction Network Governing Diphosphine-Protected Gold Nanocluster Formation from Nascent Cationic Platforms |
| Published: |
February 16, 2012 |
| Abstract: |
We identify the reaction network governing gold monolayer protected cluster (MPC) formation during the reduction of Au(PPh3)Cl and L5 (L5 = 1,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane) in solutions. UV-vis spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) monitored the formation of ligated Aux : 6 ≤ x ≤ 12 clusters, which comprise the reaction intermediates and final products. Initially, predominantly [Au2L52]2+ complexes form through dissolution of Au(PPh3)Cl. These complexes control the reduction and nucleation reactions that form nascent phosphine-ligated Au8 and Au10 ionic clusters. [Au10L54]2+ is an observed growth platform for ligated Au11 and Au12 clusters. The data for syntheses of Au:L5 systems evidence that the nascent reaction products (t < 3 days) are less dependent on the chosen reducing agent (borane tert-butylamine complex or NaBH4); instead, after reduction ceases, subsequent solution phase processing provides greater control for tuning cluster nuclearity. |
| Citation: |
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics |
| Volume: |
14 |
| Pages: |
pp. 4142 - 4154 |
| Keywords: |
gold; cluster; nanoparticle; electrospray mass spectrometry; reaction pathway; nucleation |
| Research Areas: |
Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Materials Science |
| PDF version: |
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