Department of Chemistry
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600036

Research Proposal Seminar
Atomically precise nanoclusters: Expanding variety and diversity
Name: Anagha Jose Date & Time: 25-09-23 at 4:00 PM
Guide: Prof. T. Pradeep Venue: CB310, Seminar Hall
Abstract:
Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) are an ensemble of bound atoms that bridge the gap between atoms and bulk.1Typically, they are composed of ten to hundred atoms of metals, protected with simple molecules, together forming a well-defined structure. NCs-based materials possess rich diversity in their structures and properties. A large variety of clusters made of noble metals like Au, Ag, etc., and protected by ligands such as thiols and phosphines are known in the literature, and many of their structures have been determined using single crystal studies. Their well-defined optical absorption spectra, photoluminescence, chirality, magnetism, catalytic reactivity and fascinatingly inter- and intracluster atom exchange chemistry, and several other aspects have been studied intensely in the past few years.2,3
We would like to explore new avenues of atomically precise clusters, extending beyond noble metals, modifying the ligands, and transforming the materials using electrospray deposition techniques. Atomically precise nanoclusters can have their properties finely tuned and controlled by modifying the core structure and ligands. In our recent work, we demonstrate the formation of vertically aligned nanoplates of [Co6S8DPPE6Cl6] cluster (Co6 in short), protected by 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, using ambient electrospray deposition (ESD). The preferential organization of these nanoplatelets, enhancing the surface area, results in a sensitive and selective electrochemical response towards arsenite down to 5 parts per billion.4
References:
1. Chakraborty, I.; Pradeep, T. Atomically Precise Clusters of Noble Metals: Emerging Link between Atoms and Nanoparticles. Chem. Rev. 2017, 117 (12), 8208–8271.
2. Jin, R.; Zeng, C.; Zhou, M.; Chen, Y. Atomically Precise Colloidal Metal Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles : Fundamentals and Opportunities. Chem. Rev. 2016, 116, 10346–10413.
3. Krishnadas, K. R.; Ghosh, A.; Baksi, A.; Chakraborty, I.; Natarajan, G.; Pradeep, T. Intercluster Reactions between Au25(SR)18 and Ag44(SR)30. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138 (1), 140–148.
4. Jose, A.; Jana, A.; Gupte, T.; Nair, A. S.; Unni, K.; Nagar, A.; Kini, A. R.; Spoorthi, B. K.; Jana, S. K.; Pathak, B.; Pradeep, T. Vertically Aligned Nanoplates of Atomically Precise Co6S8 Cluster for Practical Arsenic Sensing. ACS Mater. Lett. 2023, 5, 893–899.