Structural distortion and electron redistribution in dual-emitting gold nanoclusters

Qi Li, Dongming Zhou, Jinsong Chai, Woong Young So, Tong Cai, Mingxing Li, Linda A. Peteanu, Ou Chen, Mircea Cotlet, X. Wendy Gu (), Haiming Zhu () and Rongchao Jin ()
Additional contact information
Qi Li: Carnegie Mellon University
Dongming Zhou: Zhejiang University
Jinsong Chai: Carnegie Mellon University
Woong Young So: Carnegie Mellon University
Tong Cai: Brown University
Mingxing Li: Brookhaven National Laboratory
Linda A. Peteanu: Carnegie Mellon University
Ou Chen: Brown University
Mircea Cotlet: Brookhaven National Laboratory
X. Wendy Gu: Stanford University
Haiming Zhu: Zhejiang University
Rongchao Jin: Carnegie Mellon University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Deciphering the complicated excited-state process is critical for the development of luminescent materials with controllable emissions in different applications. Here we report the emergence of a photo-induced structural distortion accompanied by an electron redistribution in a series of gold nanoclusters. Such unexpected slow process of excited-state transformation results in near-infrared dual emission with extended photoluminescent lifetime. We demonstrate that this dual emission exhibits highly sensitive and ratiometric response to solvent polarity, viscosity, temperature and pressure. Thus, a versatile luminescent nano-sensor for multiple environmental parameters is developed based on this strategy. Furthermore, we fully unravel the atomic-scale structural origin of this unexpected excited-state transformation, and demonstrate control over the transition dynamics by tailoring the bi-tetrahedral core structures of gold nanoclusters. Overall, this work provides a substantial advance in the excited-state physical chemistry of luminescent nanoclusters and a general strategy for the rational design of next-generation nano-probes, sensors and switches.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16686-8

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