Master key to coinage metal nanoclusters treasure chest: 38-metal clusters

• Published in: Nanoscale Vol. 14; no. 5; pp. 1538 - 1565
• Main Authors: Yuan, Jia-Wang, Zhang, Miao-Miao, Dong, Xi-Yan, Zang, Shuang-Quan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 03.02.2022
• Subjects: BCC metals; Body centered cubic lattice; Chemical composition; Crystallization; Cubes; Face centered cubic lattice; Metal clusters; Nanoclusters
• ISSN: 2040-3364; 2040-3372; 2040-3372
• DOI: 10.1039/d1nr07690f

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters with specific chemical compositions have become a popular research topic due to their precise structures, attractive properties, and wide range of applications in various fields. Currently, among more than 100 reported metal nanoclusters with precise formulas, 38-atom coinage metal nanoclusters stand out due to their unique structural diversities, such as face-centered cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC) arrangements. Among them, the formation of the metal cores includes vertex-sharing, face-fusion, and FCC cubes fusion. Due to their geometrical features, 38-atom coinage metal nanoclusters exhibit attractive properties, making them an ideal model for exploring structure-property relationships. Therefore, 38-atom coinage metal nanoclusters are a universal key to the treasure trove of nanoclusters, which can open almost all fields and are of great research significance. This paper focuses on the structure of 38-atom coinage metal nanoclusters and reviews the preparation and crystallization methods, excellent properties, and practical applications. Finally, future research prospects and development opportunities are provided. Structure, syntheses, properties, and applications of the 38-atom coinage metal nanoclusters.