Structural Quasi-Isomerism in Au/Ag Nanoclusters

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters are a new kind of nanomaterials that appeared in recent years; a pair of isomer nanoclusters have the same metal types, numbers of metal atoms, and surface-protected organic ligands but different metal atom arrangements. This article summarizes the structure features of isomer nanoclusters and concentrates on synthesis methods that could lead to isomer structure. The pairs of isomer inorganic nanoclusters’ conversion to each other and their applications in catalyst and photoluminescence are also discussed. We found that the structure conversions are relevant to their stability. However, with the same molecule formulas, different atom arrangements significantly influence their performance in applications. Finally, the existing challenges and some personal perspectives for this novel field in the nano-science investigation are proposed. We hope this minireview can offer a reference for researchers interested in inorganic isomer nanoclusters.