Morphology modulation and application of Au(i)–thiolate nanostructures

Abstract

Controlled synthesis of Au(I)–3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) nanostructures with diverse morphologies, such as quasi-rectangular nanosheets, quasi-square nanosheets, nanobelts, nanostrings and nanochips, were successfully achieved. Regulating the morphology of Au(I)–MPA nanostructures was realized by reverse microemulsion, which not only has a confinement effect on the size but also directs their assembly into different morphologies. In addition, adjustment of the electrostatic interaction between ligands induces consecutive responses in Au(I)–Au(I) interaction and Au–S coordination, and also results in distinct morphology transformation. Taking advantage of the structural characteristics of the obtained Au(I)–MPA nanostructures, they are used as ideal precursors for the preparation of Au particles and photoluminescent Au clusters. This work not only provides effective strategies for the morphology regulation of coordination polymer nanostructures but also extends their application.