High-resolution separation of thiolate-protected gold clusters by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Thiolate (RS)-protected gold clusters (Au-n(SR)(m)) have attracted much attention as building blocks of functional nanomaterials. Our group has been studying the high-resolution separation of Au-n(SR)(m) clusters using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. In this perspective, we summarize our recent results on the separation of Au-n(SR)(m) clusters and their doped clusters according to the core size, charge state, ligand composition, and coordination isomers. Additionally, this perspective describes new findings obtained by using high-resolution separation and future prospects for the separation of such types of metal clusters. We believe that the techniques and knowledge gained in this study would contribute to the creation of Au-n(SR)(m) clusters with the desired functions and associated functional nanomaterials.