One-pot synthesis of atomically monodisperse, thiol-functionalized Au25 nanoclusters

Abstract

We report a one-pot method for synthesizing atomically monodisperse Au₂₅ nanoclusters stabilized with various functionalized thiols. This approach permits facile incorporation of specific functionality [such as –OH, –COOH, and atom transfer radical polymerization initiator –OC(O)C(CH₃)₂Br] into the protecting thiol ligand shell and provides convenient access to new types of Au₂₅ nanoclusters inaccessible by the previous two-phase approach. Importantly, a distinct “size-focusing” process was identified in the growth process of Au₂₅ nanoclusters in the one-pot reaction. This facile, one-pot synthesis of thiol-functionalized Au₂₅ nanoclusters allows for the development of specific surface chemistry for practical applications of such nanoclusters, such as bioconjugation, sensing, and surface polymerization, and thus makes the approach and the Au₂₅ nanoclusters of broad utility.