NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

Surface mediated assembly of small, metastable gold nanoclusters

Published

Author(s)

John M. Pettibone, William A. Osborn, Konrad Rykaczewski, Albert A. Talin, John E. Bonevich, Jeffrey W. Hudgens

Abstract

The unique properties of metallic nanoclusters are attractive for numerous commercial and industrial applications but are generally less stable than nanocrystals. Thus, developing methodologies for stabilizing nanoclusters and retaining their enhanced functionality is of great interest. We report the assembly of PPh3-protected Au9 clusters from a heterogeneous mixture into films consisting of sub 3 nm nanocluster assemblies. The depositing nanoclusters are metastable in solution, but the resulting nanocluster assemblies are stabilized indefinitely in air or fresh solvent. The films exhibit distinct structure from Au nanoparticles observed by X-ray diffraction, and film dissolution data support the preservation of small nanoclusters. UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy are used to elucidate information regarding the nanocluster formation and assembly mechanism. Preferential deposition of nanocluster assemblies can be achieved on multiple substrates, including polymer, Cr, Si, SiO2, SiNx, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Unlike other vapor phase coating processes, nanocluster assembly on the MIL-68(In) MOF crystal is capable of preferentially coating the external surface and stabilizing the crystal structure in hydrothermal conditions, which should enhance their storage, separation and delivery capabilities.
Citation
Nanoscale
Volume
5
Issue
14
Pub Type
Journals

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

PPh3, electroless deposition, dissolution, monodisperse products
Chemistry, Analytical chemistry, Environmental health, Composition and structure and Nanometrology

Citation

Pettibone, J. , Osborn, W. , Rykaczewski, K. , Talin, A. , Bonevich, J. and Hudgens, J. (2013), Surface mediated assembly of small, metastable gold nanoclusters, Nanoscale, [online], https://doi.org/10.1039/c3nr01708g (Accessed October 11, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created May 27, 2013, Updated November 10, 2018
Was this page helpful?