The Fourth Alloying Mode by Way of Anti-Galvanic Reaction

Anti-galvanic reaction (AGR) not only defies classic galvanic theory but is a promising method for tuning the compositions, structures, and properties of noble-metal nanoparticles. Employing AGR for the preparation of alloy nanoparticles has recently received great interest. Herein, we report an unprecedented alloying mode by way of AGR, in which foreign atoms induce structural transformation of the mother nanoparticles and enter the nanoparticles in a non-replacement fashion. A novel, active-metal-doped, gold nanoparticle was synthesized by this alloying mode, and its structure resolved. A CdSH motif was found in the protecting staples of the bimetal nanoparticle. DFT calculations revealed that the Au20Cd4(SH)(SR)(19) nanoparticle is a 8e superatom cluster. Furthermore, although the Cd-doping does not essentially alter the absorption spectrum of the mother nanocluster, it distinctly enhances the stability and catalytic selectivity of the mother nanoclusters.