Atomically precise nanoclusters with reversible isomeric transformation for rotary nanomotors

Zhaoxian Qin, Jiangwei Zhang, Chongqing Wan (), Shuang Liu, Hadi Abroshan (), Rongchao Jin () and Gao Li ()
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Zhaoxian Qin: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jiangwei Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chongqing Wan: Capital Normal University
Shuang Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hadi Abroshan: Carnegie Mellon University
Rongchao Jin: Carnegie Mellon University
Gao Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: Abstract Thermal-stimuli responsive nanomaterials hold great promise in designing multifunctional intelligent devices for a wide range of applications. In this work, a reversible isomeric transformation in an atomically precise nanocluster is reported. We show that biicosahedral [Au13Ag12(PPh3)10Cl8]SbF6 nanoclusters composed of two icosahedral Au7Ag6 units by sharing one common Au vertex can produce two temperature-responsive conformational isomers with complete reversibility, which forms the basis of a rotary nanomotor driven by temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis on the reversible isomeric transformation demonstrates that the Gibbs free energy is the driving force for the transformation. This work offers a strategy for rational design and development of atomically precise nanomaterials via ligand tailoring and alloy engineering for a reversible stimuli-response behavior required for intelligent devices. The two temperature-driven, mutually convertible isomers of the nanoclusters open up an avenue to employ ultra-small nanoclusters (1 nm) for the design of thermal sensors and intelligent catalysts.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19789-4

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