Atomically resolved Au52Cu72(SR)55 nanoalloy reveals Marks decahedron truncation and Penrose tiling surface

Yongbo Song, Yingwei Li, Hao Li, Feng Ke, Ji Xiang, Chuanjun Zhou, Peng Li, Manzhou Zhu () and Rongchao Jin ()
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Yongbo Song: Anhui University
Yingwei Li: Carnegie Mellon University
Hao Li: Anhui University
Feng Ke: Anhui University
Ji Xiang: Anhui University
Chuanjun Zhou: Anhui University
Peng Li: Anhui University
Manzhou Zhu: Anhui University
Rongchao Jin: Carnegie Mellon University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Gold-copper alloys have rich forms. Here we report an atomically resolved [Au52Cu72(p-MBT)55]+Cl− nanoalloy (p-MBT = SPh-p-CH3). This nanoalloy exhibits unusual structural patterns. First, two Cu atoms are located in the inner 7-atom decahedral kernel (M7, M = Au/Cu). The M7 kernel is then enclosed by a second shell of homogold (Au47), giving rise to a two-shelled M54 (i.e. Au52Cu2) full decahedron. A comparison of the non-truncated M54 decahedron with the truncated homogold Au49 kernel in similar-sized gold nanoparticles provides for the first time an explanation for Marks decahedron truncation. Second, a Cu70(SR)55 exterior cage resembling a 3D Penrose tiling protects the M54 decahedral kernel. Compared to the discrete staple motifs in gold:thiolate nanoparticles, the Cu-thiolate surface of Au52Cu72 forms an extended cage. The Cu-SR Penrose tiling retains the M54 kernel’s high symmetry (D5h). Third, interparticle interactions in the assembly are closely related to the symmetry of the particle, and a “quadruple-gear-like” interlocking pattern is observed.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14400-2

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