Protection of Ag Clusters by Metal‐Oxo Modules

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal Vol. 27; no. 63; pp. 15563 - 15570
• Main Authors: Fan, Xi, Chen, Shuai, Zhang, Lei, Zhang, Jian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 11.11.2021
• Subjects: cluster compounds; heterometallic complexes; metal-oxo clusters; mononuclear oxometallates; silver clusters
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102367

Monodisperse and atomically precise Ag nanoclusters have attracted considerable recent research interest. A conventional silver cluster usually consists of a silver metallic kernel and an organic peripheral ligand shell. Nevertheless, the present inevitable problem is the unsatisfied stability of such nanoclusters. In this concept, we will give an introduction to Ag clusters protected by metal‐oxo modules, which exhibit enhanced stability and unique properties. Accordingly, three different types of clusters are summarized: (1) Ag clusters protected by mononuclear oxometallates; (2) Ag clusters protected by block‐like metal‐oxo clusters; (3) Ag clusters protected by hollow‐like metal‐oxo clusters. The aim of this concept is to offer possible general guidance and insight into future rational design of more metal‐oxo clusters protected silver clusters or even other coinage metal nanoclusters. Ag clusters protected by metal‐oxo modules have emerged as the new stars of silver nanoclusters, exhibiting enhanced and unique properties. Three types of metal‐oxo modules are identified in these systems. Some insights into fabricating such clusters and problems to be solved are discussed in this Concept article.