On the redox property of Ag16Au13 clusters: One-way conversion from anionic [Au13Ag16L24]3- to charge neutral [Au13Ag16L24]0

The redox property of metal nanoclusters plays a pivotal role and is of particular interest in catalysis and other applications, such as aerobic oxidation, hydrogenation, and singlet oxygen generation, over intact nanoclusters. In this study, we report a one-way conversion process of the anionic [Ag16Au13L24](3-) nanocluster into a charge neutral nanocluster of [Ag16Au13L24](0) via oxidation in a solution phase using H2O2 as the oxidant. Three-electron loss of [Ag16Au13L24](3-) occurred during the oxidation process, which was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods. The one-way conversion from [Ag16Au13L24](3-) to [Ag16Au13L24](0) nanoclusters is in situ monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy. A nanocluster charge effect is manifested in the UV-visible spectra of nanoclusters; an similar to 10 nm redshift is observed compared with the optical absorption spectrum of [Ag16Au13L24](3-).

Automated summary

This study presents a novel method to convert the anionic [Ag16Au13L24](3-) nanocluster into a charge neutral nanocluster of [Ag16Au13L24](0) via oxidation using H2O2 as the oxidant. The three-electron loss process during oxidation was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The one-way conversion process is monitored in situ by UV-visible spectroscopy, showing a nanocluster charge effect manifested in the spectra.