Effect of ligand structure on the size control of mono- and bi-thiolate-protected silver nanoclusters

Abstract

Ligand structure could control the size and structure of thiolate-protected silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) in water. Small alkane-thiols, medium-sized aromatic-thiols, and bulky thiol-containing tri-peptides direct the formation of Ag₂₅(SR)₁₈, Ag₄₄(SR)₃₀, and Ag_9–15(SR)_5–10, respectively. In addition, small alkane-thiol collocates well with other types of thiolate ligand to generate bi-thiolate-protected Ag₂₅ NCs with controlled ligand landscapes on their surfaces.