Synthesis of stable CunAu25−n nanoclusters (n = 1–9) using selenolate ligands

Abstract

A series of highly stable Cu-doped gold clusters with up to 9 Cu atoms per cluster, Cu_nAu_25−n(SeC₈H₁₇)₁₈, were synthesized using selenolate ligands. Spectroscopic analyses demonstrated that increasing levels of Cu doping in a cluster gradually decreased its HOMO–LUMO gap and consequently shifted its photoluminescence emission to longer wavelengths. These clusters were capable of exhibiting higher levels of Cu doping as compared to analogous clusters containing thiolate ligands.