TOWARD UNDERSTANDING THE FUNDAMENTALS IN THE SYNTHESIS OF METAL NANOCLUSTERS

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are ultrasmall particles with the core size less than 2 nm. This size regime is in the transition from a single gold atom to a gold nanoparticle (Au NP). The general synthesis method of Au NCs is adpated from Brust method, where thiolate ligand is first mixed with Au(III) salt, followed by the addition of NaBH4 reducing agent. Although this method is widely applied in the synthesis of Au NCs, its understanding lacks behind, with most understanding based on the available knowledge related to Au NP synthesis. In this doctoral thesis, we attempt to understand the synthesis of Au NCs. We aim to revisit the parameters in the synthesis and compare our findings with the established knowledge related to Au NP synthesis. We will also focus on the growth mechanism of Au NCs at molecular level, which is not yet resolved for Au NP synthesis.

Author dc:creator

• CHEN TIANKAI

• nanoclusters, metal nanoclusters, synthesis, noble metal nanoparticles, mass spectrometry