Insight into the Size Evolution Transformation Process of the fcc-Based Au28(SR)20 Nanocluster

It is essential to understand the evolution pattern of a periodic series of nanocluster structures and their properties to rationalize the design of new nanoclusters for a specific function. The lack of inherent periodicity in size among nanoclusters make this study quite challenging. Here we report a successful transformation of the Au-28(SR)(20) nanocluster, which is among the rare periodic series (gold quantum box) of gold nanoclusters, to the higher one in the series, the Au-36(SR)(24) cluster. On the basis of the mechanistic study and characterization of byproducts of this reaction, we put forward the postulate that this process involves the breakage of the staple as well as the core of Au-28(SR)(20), followed by restructuring into Au-36(SR)(24).

Automated summary

Understanding the evolution pattern of nanocluster structures is crucial for designing new nanoclusters with specific functions, but the lack of inherent periodicity in size among nanoclusters poses a challenge. A study successfully transformed the Au-28(SR)(20) nanocluster (gold quantum box) into the higher one in the series, the Au-36(SR)(24) cluster, through a process involving the breakage of the staple and core of Au-28(SR)(20) followed by restructuring.