Unraveling the causes of the instability of Aun(SR)x nanoclusters on Au(111)

Pilar Carro, Luis Miguel Azofra, Tim Albrecht, Roberto C. Salvarezza, Evangelina Pensa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Properties of small metal nanoclusters rely on the exact arrangement of a few atoms. Minor structural changes can rapidly destabilize them, leading to disintegration. Here, we evaluate the energetic factors accounting for the stabilization and integrity of thiolate-capped gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). We found that the core-cohesive and shell-binding energies regulate the disintegration process on a solid substrate by investigating the different energetic contributions, as shown here in a combined experimental and theoretical study. As the AuNC size increases, the core-cohesive energy and shell stability (imposed by S-Au and hydrocarbon chain interactions) counterbalance the AuNC–substrate interaction and slow down the AuNC disintegration. Thus, the decomposition can not only be understood in terms of desorption and transfer of the capping molecules to the support substrate but conversely, as a whole where ligand and core interactions play a role. Taken together, our experimental and theoretical results serve as guidelines for enhancing the stability of AuNCs on solid-state devices, a key point for reliable nanotechnological applications such as heterogeneous catalysis and sensing.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3428-3435
JournalChemistry of Materials
Volume33
Issue number9
Early online date23 Apr 2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 23 Apr 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Chemical Engineering(all)
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Unraveling the causes of the instability of Aun(SR)x nanoclusters on Au(111)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this