Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ming Han, Yi Wang, Gang Xiang, Yinyin Chen, Zhouping Yang, Yunchun Li, Yu Zhang, Changfang Lu, Xianxiang Wang
Summary: A nanocomposite-based dual-emission fluorescent probe was developed for detecting ethylene thioureas (ETU). The probe consisted of sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) and gluta-thione stabilized gold clusters (GSH-AuNCs). The fluorescence intensities at 450 nm and 570 nm decreased due to aggregation fluorescence quenching, but the addition of ETU resulted in a partial recovery of fluorescence at 570 nm. The method showed high selectivity and sensitivity, and had good recovery of ETU in agricultural products.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Optics
Yao Li, Chengbing Qin, Yunrui Song, Hongyan Yan, Shuangping Han, Haitao Zhou, Aoni Wei, Guofeng Zhang, Ruiyun Chen, Jianyong Hu, Mingyong Jing, Liantuan Xiao, Suotang Jia
Summary: A double-pulse TPPL scheme with controlled phase differences was developed to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of TPPL imaging, allowing for enhanced imaging quality while reducing excitation powers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Biao Jin, Yanming Wang, Chuanhong Jin, James J. De Yoreo, Ruikang Tang
Summary: This study directly observed the formation of ultra-small Au clusters in the presence of PAA-Na, which coalesce to form nanocrystals corresponding to the size of Au-13 cluster. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that gold has greater stability in an aqueous environment compared to other cluster sizes, providing atomistic details of growth by cluster coalescence.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ying Wang, Qi Zhang, Junbo Gong, Xin Zhang
Summary: By twisting the aromatic -system structures, highly fluorescent dyes with fluorescence quantum yields close to 100% can be synthesized. These twisted dyes are more sensitive to microenvironment changes, suitable for optoelectrical devices and materials, and retain excellent optical properties.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lianshun Luo, Rongchao Jin
Summary: Significant progress has been made in integrating atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to create unique composites with improved catalytic properties. MOFs play a crucial role in enhancing the catalytic performance of NCs in various reactions. Future research should focus on exploring the potential of NCs/MOF composites for functional materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhongran Wei, Yatao Pan, Xiangyu Huo, Yulu He, Yanmin Kuang, Xia Ran, Lijun Guo
Summary: The electronic structure of BSA-protected Au-25(SR)(18) nanoclusters was investigated by generating quantum beats in fluorescence dynamics. It was found that there exist long-lived degenerate triplet states in the electronic structure, and the electronic oscillations have distinct frequencies. These findings are significant for a deeper understanding of the photophysical properties of the nanoclusters.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arijit Jana, Wakeel Ahmed Dar, Sourav Kanti Jana, Ajay Kumar Poonia, Vivek Yadav, Jayoti Roy, Sourov Chandra, Kumaran Nair Valsala Devi Adarsh, Robin H. A. Ras, Thalappil Pradeep
Summary: This study presents an interesting light-activated expansion process of an Ag-31 nanocluster to an Ag-42 analogue, and provides evidence for the existence and mechanism of this process through experimental methods such as UV-vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Qianrui Li, Jinping Yuan, Di Zhao, Yige Wang, Huanrong Li
Summary: This study observed that introducing Mg2+ can enhance the stable yellow emission of Ag-13X zeolite and provided Ag-zeolite with a broad emission band and high photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) as a candidate material to replace traditional yellow-emitting phosphor. This work contributes as a valuable reference for the rational design of silver nanoclusters confined in zeolites and stimulates potential applications as novel phosphors.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Miriam Mistretta, Andrea Farini, Yvan Torrente, Chiara Villa
Summary: Developing drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier is a challenge for treating neurodegenerative disease. The use of nanoparticle-based systems shows potential in overcoming this difficulty, with the example of Friedreich's ataxia. Neurodegenerative diseases are a global health burden, and traditional interventions have limitations in reaching the brain. Nanosystems offer a promising therapeutic approach by delivering drugs and improving bioavailability. This review highlights the use of nanosystems in targeting molecular pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases, with Friedreich's ataxia as an example.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Murat Tonga
Summary: The research shows that extended viologens with larger aryl groups exhibit twisted geometry due to steric hindrance, while the one with a phenyl ring adopts a planar geometry.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. Emilio Cardenas, A. Tlahuice-Flores
Summary: This study focuses on the structures of Au-11(SR)(9) and Au-13(SR)(11) thiolated gold clusters, highlighting the importance of the Au-3 unit in small clusters and the impact of different ligand types on cluster stability and properties. The results shed light on ligand effects on electronic, optical, and chiroptical properties, providing insights into the energetic preferences in these small-sized clusters. Additionally, discussions on IR/Raman, UV-vis, and CD spectra of the predicted new structures were carried out.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Umar Nishan, Irfan Ullah, Rukhsana Gul, Amir Badshah, Nawshad Muhammad, Naeem Khan, Mohibullah Shah, Muhammad Asad, Saifullah Afridi, Riaz Ullah, Essam A. Ali, Suvash Chandra Ojha
Summary: Ascorbic acid is vital for human beings and its abnormal level can lead to various illnesses. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized and used as a sensing platform for the detection of ascorbic acid in blood serum samples. The optimized biosensor showed sensitivity and simplicity for the detection of ascorbic acid in plasma samples.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Reena K. Sajwan, G. B. V. S. Lakshmi, Pratima R. Solanki
Summary: A rapid and sensitive fluorometric system for detecting ALD based on the IFE of AuNPs on the fluorescence intensity of CQDs has been developed, showing promising potential for everyday on-spot environment and food safety monitoring. Experimental results demonstrated that this sensing platform is repeatable and effective for real samples like fruits, vegetables, and soft drinks.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tokuhisa Kawawaki, Yusuke Mitomi, Naoki Nishi, Ryuki Kurosaki, Kazutaka Oiwa, Tomoya Tanaka, Hinoki Hirase, Sayuri Miyajima, Yoshiki Niihori, D. J. Osborn, Takanori Koitaya, Gregory F. Metha, Toshihiko Yokoyama, Kenji Iida, Yuichi Negishi
Summary: We have recently discovered [Pt-17(CO)(12)(PPh3)(8)](z) (Pt = platinum; CO = carbon monoxide; PPh3 = triphenylphosphine; z = 1+ or 2+) as a Pt nanocluster that can be synthesized with atomic precision in air. Our study demonstrates the preparation of a Pt-17-supported carbon black (CB) catalyst (Pt-17/CB) with 2.1 times higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity than commercial Pt nanoparticles/CB. This achievement is attributed to the appropriate electronic structure of the surface Pt atoms of Pt-17/CB, as suggested by density functional theory calculation.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Meng-Qi He, Yongjian Ai, Wanting Hu, Xiaomeng Jia, Lei Wu, Mingyu Ding, Qionglin Liang
Summary: By using DNA as an etching agent, it is possible to control the morphology and optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles, while also introducing fluorescence properties. This strategy allows for precise tuning of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and fluorescence-composited dual-mode signals.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiuying Du, Baoqi Yin, Si Zhou, Zhixun Luo, Jijun Zhao
Summary: This study observed the high reactivity of Cu-n(-) clusters with O-2, regardless of their open or closed shell structures, and demonstrated the mechanisms of single and double electron transfer models through ab initio calculations. The reaction mechanism between Cu(n)(-)clusters and O-2 provides insights into manipulating the activity and stability of coinage clusters by controlling spin and charge states.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mengdi Guo, Qiuhao Yi, Chaonan Cui, Wen Gan, Zhixun Luo
Summary: The study investigated methane dehydrogenation and C-C coupling using a plasma-assisted chamber system, revealing the formation of [M(CnH2n)](+) clusters with high efficiency. Density functional theory calculations helped elucidate the reaction mechanisms and the favorable process of dehydrogenation and C=C bond formation.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuhan Jia, Jun Li, Miaofei Huang, Lijun Geng, Hanyu Zhang, Shi-Bo Cheng, Yuanping Yi, Zhixun Luo
Summary: A comprehensive study on the oxidation reactions of Rh-n(+) (n = 3-30) rhodium clusters reveals a size-dependent ladder oxygenation phenomenon, with Rh3,4O4+, Rh5-7O6+, and Rh8-13O8+ clusters dominating the mass distributions. The oxygen binding modes are closely associated with the ladder oxidation, with different clusters exhibiting different binding modes. The findings have implications for the design of cluster-genetic materials.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anthony M. S. Pembere, Haiming Wu, Pan An, Dennis Magero, Hitler Louis, Zhixun Luo
Summary: This study presents the catalytic role of titanium clusters in methanol coupling reactions, revealing the reaction mechanism through experimental and computational approaches.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Weiwei Liu, Shuangkun Zhang, Zhi Luo, Tao Zou, Pingye Deng, Zhanpeng Wu, Haiqiao Wang
Summary: In this work, novel thermoplastic fluorinated polyacrylate films with excellent mechanical performance were prepared by emulsion polymerization using adjustable amphiphilic star macro-RAFT agent as surfactants. The effects of various factors on the surface morphology of the fluorinated polyacrylate films were investigated, and elastomeric films obtained directly from the prepared latexes showed excellent comprehensive properties. The study provides a promising method for the synthesis of high-performance fluorinated polyacrylate films.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benben Huang, Hanyu Zhang, Wen Gan, Mengzhou Yang, Zhixun Luo, Jiannian Yao
Summary: The reactions of niobium clusters with carbon monoxide led to the discovery of a CO-tolerant full-metal cluster Nb-12(+) (called niobespherene), which is highly stable and exhibits cage aromaticity, making it an ideal carrier for new catalysts.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haiming Wu, Rajini Anumula, Gaya N. N. Andrew, Zhixun Luo
Summary: We synthesized a stable Cu6 nanocluster protected by six SMPP ligands, showing a quasi-octahedral superatomic Cu6 core. Each Cu atom is connected to an N atom, while neighboring Cu atoms are linked by the -S- bridge. Single-crystal parsing revealed three packing modes for the nanocluster. This Cu6(SMPP)6 cluster exhibited superatomic stability and dual emissions in UV-Vis and NIR regions. First-principles calculations reproduced the experimental spectrum, providing insights into the excitation states and metal-ligand interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ran Cheng, Chaonan Cui, Zhixun Luo
Summary: In this study, the catalysis of ammonia synthesis using a typical Fe-13 cluster and its doped systems (Fe12X) was investigated. It was found that Fe12Nb exhibited the lowest activation energy for N-2 dissociation and could efficiently convert N-2 to ammonia, making it an ideal candidate for catalytic ammonia synthesis.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Gan, Benben Huang, Chaonan Cui, Klavs Hansen, Zhixun Luo
Summary: The conversion of ethane into value-added chemicals under ambient conditions has been studied using Nb-n(+) clusters. It was found that ethane reacts with Nb-n(+) clusters to form dehydrogenation and methane-removal products. The reaction mechanisms of C-C bond activation and C-H bond cleavage on the Nb-n(+) clusters were investigated using density functional theory calculations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haiming Wu, Gaya N. Andrew, Rajini Anumula, Zhixun Luo
Summary: In this study, we synthesized two copper nanoclusters with the same ligand protection and investigated their luminescent properties and stability through experimental and computational studies.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Gan, Benben Huang, Klavs Hansen, Zhixun Luo
Summary: We investigated the reactivity of Ag- n (+) clusters with H2S, D2O, and NH3 using both experimental and theoretical methods. The results showed that complete dehydrogenation occurred when Ag- n (+) reacted with H2S, while no dehydrogenation products were observed for the reactions with D2O or NH3. Theoretical calculations provided insights into the different reactivities of Ag- n (+) clusters with these inorganic hydrides. NH3 exhibited strong coordination with Ag( n ) (+), but hindered dehydrogenation reactions, whereas the fragile H-S bonds and stable Ag n S+ products facilitated the hydrogen evolution of H2S on Ag- n (+). We analyzed the metal-ligand interactions of Ag- n (+) clusters with the three molecules and illustrated the reaction dynamics, charge-transfer interactions, and changes in superatomic states during the formation of cluster sulfides. This study is expected to contribute to the design of stable and environmentally friendly desulfurization catalysts, as well as enhancing our understanding of ligand-protected metal clusters' mechanisms in wet chemistry.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijun Geng, Qiuying Du, Mengxu Li, Baoqi Yin, Zhixun Luo, Jijun Zhao
Summary: We investigated the stability and reactivity of Bi-n(+) (n=5-33) clusters through an experimental and theoretical study. We observed the alternating odd-even effect on the reaction rates of Bi-n(+) clusters with NO, with Bi-7(+) being the least reactive. First-principles calculation results showed that Bi-6-9(+) clusters had quasi-spherical geometry, in line with the jellium shell model, while Bi-n(+) (n≥10) clusters had assembly structures. The exceptional stability of Bi-7(+) was attributed to its highly symmetric structure and superatomic states with a magic number of 34e closed shell.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuhan Jia, Cong-Qiao Xu, Chaonan Cui, Lijun Geng, Hanyu Zhang, Yang-Yang Zhang, Shiquan Lin, Jiannian Yao, Zhixun Luo, Jun Li
Summary: Probing atomic clusters with magic numbers is important but challenging. In this study, we report the finding of a magic-number cluster Rh-19(-) with high stability. The geometry of Rh19- is determined to be a regular O-h-[Rh@Rh-12@ Rh-6](-) through photoelectron spectroscopy experiments and global-minimum structure search. The unique stability of this strongly magnetic cluster consisting of a nonmagnetic element is attributed to its unique bonding nature and superatomic states. The 1-nanometer-sized O-h-Rh-19(-) cluster corresponds to a fragment of the face-centered cubic lattice of bulk rhodium but with altered magnetism and electronic property. Exceptional electron-spin state isomers confirmed in photoelectron spectra suggest potential applications in atomically precise manufacturing involving spintronics and quantum computing.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijun Geng, Xiaohu Yu, Zhixun Luo
Summary: Isolated clusters provide an ideal platform to investigate the evolution of magnetic order and tailor molecule-based magnets. In this study, gas-collisional reactions of Fe clusters (n = 7-31) with oxygen were observed, revealing that only larger clusters (n ≥ 15) exhibit O2 intake. Interestingly, Fe17O10- with distinct inertness and an accordion-like structure was observed. These findings provide insights into the stability and spin accommodation of strongly ferromagnetic iron cluster oxides, which have potential applications in high-density energy storage and spintronics microdevices.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zhixun Luo, Shiquan Lin
Summary: Superatoms, which mimic elemental atoms in the periodic table, have opened up new possibilities for designing functional materials and catalysts. Recent research has focused on exploring active/inert superatoms in the gas phase and synthesizing ligand-protected metal cluster superatoms and superatomic solids. The accommodation of delocalized electrons in stabilizing metal clusters, particularly the superatomic orbitals formed by d-electrons of the transition metals, has been investigated. Notable superatomic features such as electronic open-and closed shells, aromaticity, and magnetism, especially for clusters of nonmagnetic elements, have been highlighted. A proposed four-dimensional image for the future three-dimensional periodic table aims to provide a convenient reference for designing and tailoring cluster-genetic materials.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2024)
