Derivative Chemistry of Ag29 Nanoclusters

Metal nanoclusters represent a unique class of nanomaterials with monodisperse sizes, atomically precise structures, and rich physicochemical properties, and they find wide applications in optics, catalysis, and biomedicine. The strong quantum size effects and discrete electronic energy levels endow metal nanoclusters with structure-dependent properties, where any perturbation of their compositions or structures induces significant variations in their properties. This makes the research of metal nanoclusters particularly exciting but also challenging, as small changes in their atomic composition or arrangement can result in substantial differences in their behavior. As a result, the study of metal nanoclusters follows a node-style research pattern, wherein major breakthroughs often lead to new insights into their structural and functional properties. However, despite these advances, the systematic exploration of these materials remains highly challenging. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the development of unified theoretical models that can predict and control the properties of metal nanoclusters, potentially making them ideal candidates for programmable nanomaterials. Key examples of well-studied nanoclusters include Au₂₅(SR)₁₈ and Ag₄₄(SR)₃₀, which have provided valuable insights into the fundamental principles of metal nanocluster chemistry. Nevertheless, given the vast differences observed among various cluster frameworks, there is an urgent need to develop new models and explore versatile approaches for the preparation of nanoclusters with tunable functionalities. In this regard, our research group has focused on advancing the derivative chemistry of Ag₂₉-templated nanoclusters.