Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kangjae Lee, Guocheng Deng, Megalamane S. Bootharaju, Taeghwan Hyeon
Summary: Atomically precise metal chalcogenide clusters (MCCs) are important molecular compounds of semiconductor nanocrystals known as quantum dots (QDs). Magic-sized clusters (MSCs) with specific sizes exhibit high ambient stability and possess atomically monodisperse size, composition, and distinct atomic arrangement, making them significant for understanding the evolution of fundamental properties and building structure-activity relationships. The molecular structure of MSCs provides insights into their electronic structure, potential sites for dopants, and favorable synthetic conditions. Besides, MSCs can be used as single-source precursors and their self-assembly enables enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield and stability, as well as improved catalytic CO2 fixation and controlled transformation to low-dimensional nanostructures.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Min Zhao, Qingyuan Chen, Yongcheng Zhu, Yuehui Liu, Chunchun Zhang, Gang Jiang, Meng Zhang, Kui Yu
Summary: In this study, a precursor compound (PC)-enabled formation pathway of aqueous-phase CdSe MSCs with sharp absorption peaking at about 420 nm (MSC-420) is demonstrated for the first time. The coordination between primary amine and Cd+2 on PCs is crucial for the transformation of PCs to MSC-420. Self-assembly of Cd precursors into large aggregates may hinder the transformation of CdSe PCs to MSC-420.
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
Polymer Science
Li Xu, Suyun Jie, Zhiyang Bu, Bo-Geng Li
Summary: In this study, a telechelic polymer AmTPB with high cis-1,4 content was successfully prepared by synthesizing aldehyde-terminated polybutadiene ATPB followed by selective reduction of oxime-terminated polybutadiene OTPB. The high cis 1,4-chain structure of polybutadiene was maintained throughout the reactions.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingyuan Chen, Yu Zhang, Shuo Chen, Yuehui Liu, Chunchun Zhang, Meng Zhang, Kui Yu
Summary: This study presents experimental evidence to support the concept that magic-size clusters (MSCs) have their counterpart precursor compounds (PCs). The results show that MSCs can transform to PCs upon certain conditions and surface ligands play a significant role in the reversible transformations. This study provides insights into the reversible transformations between MSCs and PCs.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qiqi Lu, Xiu-Zhi Wei, Haiyong Wang, Qi Zhang, Xinghua Zhang, Lungang Chen, Jianguo Liu, Longlong Ma
Summary: The selective hydrogenation of nitrile to primary amine was achieved using a green catalytic system of bimetallic Pd-Ni oxide nanospecies confined in Silicalite-1 zeolite. No additive was needed in this environmentally friendly and economical process. Detailed characterizations provided insights into the extraordinary performance of Pd-Ni oxide nanospecies in base-free nitrile hydrogenation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan Shen, Chaoran Luan, Nelson Rowell, Yang Li, Meng Zhang, Xiaoqin Chen, Kui Yu
Summary: This article discusses the research on promoting the selective production of colloidal semiconductor metal chalcogenide (ME), magic-size clusters (MSCs), or quantum dots (QDs). The study reveals that the size of precursors determines the evolution pathways of MSCs and QDs. The addition of carboxylic acid can regulate the self-assembly behavior of the precursors, leading to directed evolution of either MSCs or QDs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinming Zhu, Zhaopeng Cao, Yongcheng Zhu, Nelson Rowell, Yan Li, Shanling Wang, Chunchun Zhang, Gang Jiang, Meng Zhang, Jianrong Zeng, Kui Yu
Summary: This study provides a detailed description of the transformation pathway of CdSe nanospecies from one absorption doublet to another, as well as the role of precursor compounds in enabling this transformation. The research also sheds light on the structural nature and evolutionary behavior of these nanospecies with sharp doublets in optical absorption.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mohammad Shakiba, Ahmad Irannejad, Shahriar Sharafi
Summary: In this study, ab initio calculations were performed to investigate the role of alkane chain in primary amine capped (CdSe)(33) and (CdS)(33) quantum dots. Primary amine ligands induced a blue shift in the QDs' band gap, while the alkane chain itself showed negligible effects. As the chain length increased, the binding energy between ligands and QDs increased but at a decreasing rate due to steric hindrance, with notable contribution from van der Waals forces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Woonhyuk Baek, Megalamane S. Bootharaju, Severin Lorenz, Sanghwa Lee, Sven Stolte, Rachel Fainblat, Gerd Bacher, Taeghwan Hyeon
Summary: Magic-sized semiconductor nanoclusters (MSCs) with intermediate stability are used as precursors and templates to synthesize large CdSe nanoplatelets through a nanoconfined diffusion-limited strategy, while also demonstrating the potential for producing multinary nanoplatelets with unique optical and magneto-optical properties. This synthetic approach opens up new possibilities for diverse shape-controlled multi-component nanostructures and catalytic applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julia E. Blower, Michelle T. Ma, Fahad A. I. Al-Salemee, Antony D. Gee
Summary: Nitrogen-13 is a PET radionuclide that can be used to label molecules of biological and pharmaceutical interest despite its short half-life. By adapting a specific synthetic reaction, a library of labeled compounds can be prepared, which has significant implications for clinical applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Ruiqin Zhang, Yuxin Ding, Renchao Ma, Xuqiong Xiao, Rener Chen, Lei Wang, Yongmin Ma
Summary: An efficient synthesis method for multi-substituted pyridines and pyrroles from aryl methyl ketones with 1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-ol and 1,2-diamino-2-methylpropane has been developed. The reactions involve cleavage of a C-N bond and formation of two new bonds (C-C bond and C-N bond) through an oxidative cyclization process promoted by I-2/PhNO2. The selective cleavage occurs at the C-N bond adjacent to the primary carbon of 1,2-diamino-2-methylpropane.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pengye Liu, Wenhua Han, Mengke Zheng, Wenliang Li, Junfeng Ren, Alfredo Tlahuice-Flores, Wen Wu Xu
Summary: The new Au-15(SR)(13) nanocluster, featuring an Au-7(SR)(7) ring as a protection ligand, exhibits lower energy levels, a larger HOMO-LUMO gap, and high chemical stability. The proposed structure needs experimental confirmation despite discrepancies between calculated and experimental results.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Madison Monahan, Bin Cai, Tengyue Jian, Shuai Zhang, Guomin Zhu, Chun-Long Chen, James J. De Yoreo, Brandi M. Cossairt
Summary: Peptoids, with a structure similar to proteins, offer a versatile platform for assembling structures with atomic precision. This study demonstrated successful assembly of CdSe QDs using peptoid tubes and sheets via covalent linkages, providing control over QD density. The compatibility and control of CdSe-peptoid interactions through varying peptoid structures and CdSe particles were shown to create complex hybrid structures.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenjuan Xue, Donghai Mei
Summary: This study systematically investigated the reaction mechanism and kinetics of methane combustion using H-SSZ-13 zeolite encapsulated Pd nanoclusters. The results showed that PdII3O3H/H-SSZ-13 nanocluster was the most active catalyst for complete methane combustion.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
William M. Sanderson, Jessica Hoy, Calynn Morrison, Fudong Wang, Yuanyuan Wang, Paul J. Morrison, William E. Buhro, Richard A. Loomis
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Himchan Cho, Jia-Ahn Pan, Haoqi Wu, Xinzheng Lan, Igor Coropceanu, Yuanyuan Wang, Wooje Cho, Ethan A. Hill, John S. Anderson, Dmitri V. Talapin
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jia-Ahn Pan, Zichao Rong, Yuanyuan Wang, Himchan Cho, Igor Coropceanu, Haoqi Wu, Dmitri Talapin
Summary: This work demonstrates the direct optical patterning of oxide nanoparticles, allowing for micron resolution patterning of materials like ZrO2, TiO2, HfO2, and ITO. By mixing the nanoparticles with a photosensitive compound and irradiating with 405 nm light, the researchers were able to achieve precise patterning and control of material properties for use in photonic applications. The fabricated structures showed excellent optical transparency, high refractive index, and good thermal stability, making them suitable for diffractive optical elements and other photonic devices.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
J. Matthew Kurley, Jia-Ahn Pan, Yuanyuan Wang, Hao Zhang, Jake C. Russell, Gregory F. Pach, Bobby To, Joseph M. Luther, Dmitri Talapin
Summary: The study systematically introduces and investigates the R2R-friendly modifications in the fabrication of ultrathin, sintered CdTe nanocrystal solar cells using solution-processed materials. The impact of each modification on the CdTe nanostructure and solar cell performance was studied independently and then combined into an integrated process, resulting in devices with improved power conversion efficiency and performance. These advances in R2R-friendly techniques reduce barriers for large-scale manufacturing of low-cost solar cells on flexible or curved substrates.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Tingting Han, Jinling Yang, Yan Wang, Yue Cao, Yuanyuan Wang, Hong-Yuan Chen, Jun-Jie Zhu
Summary: A facile top-down approach and post-synthetic etching strategy were used to prepare high quality sulfur quantum dots (H-SQDs) that exhibited enhanced anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission in aqueous solution. Improved ECL properties of H-SQDs were attributed to reduced size, highly passivated surface, and enhanced charge injection/transfer capacities. Additionally, the study of the underlying anodic ECL mechanism and redox nature of H-SQDs shed light on their potential applications in ECL bioanalysis.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jinling Yang, Xiang Li, Jianrong Zhang, Yang Zhou, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the possibility of obtaining colloidal all-inorganic gold nanocrystals directly from magic-size clusters with the assistance of inorganic molecules. The use of simple inorganic ligands allows for the tuning of the surface state and modification with different functional groups. Negatively charged all-inorganic gold nanocrystals exhibit improved efficiency and current density in the reduction of CO2.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yalei Deng, Xufeng Chen, Jing Liang, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful transformation of hydrophobic zinc-blend structure nanoplatelets (Zb-NPLs) into hydrophilic ones by replacing the original ligand with triethylborate (TEB). The TEB-passivated NPLs show a significant fluorescence shift in polar solvents and maintain their original brightness. Moreover, the discovery of a new surface chemistry using borate-related ligands expands the potential application areas of NPLs.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haoqi Wu, Yuanyuan Wang, Jaehyung Yu, Jia-Ahn Pan, Himchan Cho, Aritrajit Gupta, Igor Coropceanu, Chenkun Zhou, Jiwoong Park, Dmitri Talapin
Summary: Patterning functional inorganic nanomaterials is an important process for advanced manufacturing of quantum dot electronic and optoelectronic devices. This paper introduces a new approach called heat-induced patterning of inorganic nanomaterials (HIPIN), which utilizes local heating to pattern colloidal nanomaterials with thermally unstable surface ligands. HIPIN extends the scope of direct optical lithography to longer wavelengths and enables patterning of light-absorbing nanomaterials, while retaining their photoluminescence quantum yield.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guangtao Wang, Xiang Li, Xiaohan Yang, Li-Xia Liu, Yanming Cai, Yajun Wu, Shengyan Wang, Huan Li, Yuanzhen Zhou, Yuanyuan Wang, Yang Zhou
Summary: This article describes general strategies for metal aerogel synthesis, including single-metal, transition-metal doped, multi-metal-doped, and nano-metal-doped carbon aerogels. It also discusses the latest applications of these metal aerogels in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction and proposes a vision for industrialization and optimization possibilities.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shihao Tian, Yu-Jing Jiang, Yue Cao, Jian-Rong Zhang, Yang Zhou, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: This minireview comprehensively summarizes the recent developments in the configuration and design of nanomaterials for microbial electro- and photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction, and discusses the crucial factors influencing system performance and future perspectives.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xufeng Chen, Junjun Ge, Pengwei Xiao, Yalei Deng, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: In this study, a new synthetic route was developed to synthesize colloidal stable all-inorganic semiconductor nanoplatelets with controllable lateral dimensions via a ligand-induced strategy. By introducing metal salts, different materials of nanoplatelets were successfully synthesized, and the formation mechanism was investigated.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yalei Deng, Jing Liang, Xinke Kong, Pengwei Xiao, Yang Zhou, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: This study investigates the formation and transformation mechanisms in Cd-based MSCs by analyzing spectroscopically pure (CdS)13 MSCs. It reveals two additional transformation pathways in the semiconductor cluster region: intercluster transformation involving dissolution and regrowth, and anion exchange reaction, which is observed for the first time in semiconductor MSCs. These findings not only enhance the understanding of cluster transformation, but also contribute to the synthesis of nanocrystals.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xufeng Chen, Junjun Ge, Pengwei Xiao, Yalei Deng, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: This study developed a general ligand-induced strategy to synthesize colloidal stable all-inorganic semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs) with controllable lateral dimensions. By controlling the diffusion of magic-size clusters (MSCs) in solution, wurtzite-structured (WZ-) CdS, CdSe, CdTe, and alloy Cd1-xZnxSe NPLs were directly synthesized. Mechanism studies revealed that destabilization of MSCs and nanoconfined growth in templates facilitated the formation of NPLs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junjun Ge, Jing Liang, Xufeng Chen, Yalei Deng, Pengwei Xiao, Jun-Jie Zhu, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: Surface engineering is critical for enhancing the optical and electrochemical properties of nanomaterials. This study developed a general surface modification strategy to design all-inorganic MSCs and investigated their surface states using electrochemiluminescence.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Junjun Ge, Xufeng Chen, Jinling Yang, Yuanyuan Wang
Summary: Luminescent nanoclusters (NCs) are emerging as novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters due to their easy preparation, ultrafine size, low toxicity, and excellent photostability. This mini-review discusses the recent development of NCs in ECL, focusing on their optical properties, classification, factors affecting quantum yield (QY), and ECL mechanisms based on NCs, as well as potential applications in tumor markers test, immunoassay, and serum test. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of NCs' progress in ECL and encourage researchers to explore their future applications in ECL.
