Atomically precise nanoclusters with reversible isomeric transformation for rotary nanomotors.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 33243987.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-020-19789-4 and PMC identifier 7693277.
- No licence information is recorded for this record.
- Because redistribution is not established, this page shows the abstract only. Follow the links below for the full text.
Abstract
Thermal-stimuli responsive nanomaterials hold great promise in designing multifunctional intelligent devices for a wide range of applications. In this work, a reversible isomeric transformation in an atomically precise nanocluster is reported. We show that biicosahedral [Au<sub>13</sub>Ag<sub>12</sub>(PPh<sub>3</sub>)<sub>10</sub>Cl<sub>8</sub>]SbF<sub>6</sub> nanoclusters composed of two icosahedral Au<sub>7</sub>Ag<sub>6</sub> units by sharing one common Au vertex can produce two temperature-responsive conformational isomers with complete reversibility, which forms the basis of a rotary nanomotor driven by temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis on the reversible isomeric transformation demonstrates that the Gibbs free energy is the driving force for the transformation. This work offers a strategy for rational design and development of atomically precise nanomaterials via ligand tailoring and alloy engineering for a reversible stimuli-response behavior required for intelligent devices. The two temperature-driven, mutually convertible isomers of the nanoclusters open up an avenue to employ ultra-small nanoclusters (1 nm) for the design of thermal sensors and intelligent catalysts.